On April 13, 2025, the Eredivisie will witness an intense clash as Willem II hosts Ajax at the Koning Willem II Stadion in Tilburg. This match, part of the 29th round of the Netherlands Championship, is pivotal not only for the struggling home side but also for the title-chasing visitors.
Willem II currently finds itself in a precarious position, sitting 16th in the Eredivisie with just 24 points from 28 matches. The team has struggled significantly this season, with a goal difference of -18, highlighting their defensive frailties. Recent performances have been particularly disheartening for fans, as the team has suffered six consecutive defeats, including losses to Almere City (0:2), Go Ahead Eagles (0:1), Sparta (0:4), and Heerenveen (1:3). This dreadful run has left them only six points clear of the relegation zone, with only six matches remaining in the season.
Despite these challenges, there have been glimpses of attacking potential. In a recent match against Utrecht, Willem II managed to score twice, showcasing the talent of their top scorer, Kevin Vaessen, who has netted six goals this season. Midfielder Djessey Bosch has also been a consistent performer, although he leads the team in yellow cards, indicating a fiery presence on the pitch. However, their defense remains a significant concern, especially after conceding late in matches, as seen in their previous home encounter against Utrecht, where they lost 2:3 after leading.
In stark contrast, Ajax sits comfortably atop the Eredivisie, boasting 70 points and a remarkable goal difference of +39 after 28 rounds. The team, managed by Francesco Farioli, has been in scintillating form, recently defeating PSV 2:0, which solidified their position as the league leaders. Ajax's attacking prowess is evident, with Kenneth Taylor leading the scoring charts with 15 goals, supported by the likes of Steven Bergwijn and Brian Brobbey, who consistently contribute to the team's offensive efforts.
Ajax has shown remarkable consistency, losing points only twice in their last ten league matches, with one of those being a draw against AZ Alkmaar (2:2). Their historical dominance over Willem II adds an extra layer of confidence; in 98 encounters across all competitions, Ajax has emerged victorious 80 times, while Willem II has managed just 11 wins. The average goals scored in these matchups is a staggering 3.07, favoring the Amsterdammers.
As the teams prepare to face off, the stakes couldn't be higher for both sides. Willem II is desperate to halt their losing streak and secure vital points in their fight against relegation. Meanwhile, Ajax is keen to extend their lead in the title race, aiming to return to winning ways after their recent Europa League exit against Eintracht Frankfurt.
In terms of lineups, Willem II will be without disqualified player Raffael Behounek and injured Dani Matie. The expected formation might see Didillon in goal, supported by a backline of Dodeman, Sant-Jago, Schouten, and Sigurgeirsson, with Bosch anchoring the midfield alongside Lachkar and Yosten. Up front, Bokila and Merveld will be tasked with finding the net.
Ajax, on the other hand, will be looking to field a strong side, with Mateus likely starting in goal. The defense will consist of Rosa, Sutalo, Kaplan, and Hato, while the midfield trio will include Bergwijn, Classen, and Taylor. Their attacking front will feature Traore, Conadu, and Godts, all capable of breaking through Willem II's shaky defense.
Betting odds reflect the disparity in team form, with Ajax favored to win by a significant margin. A bet on Ajax to win with a handicap of -1.5 is offered at odds of 2.05, while betting on Ajax to score more than two goals is set at 1.98. Given Willem II's recent struggles, these bets appear to be well-founded.
As fans gear up for this encounter, the narrative is clear: can Willem II defy the odds and pull off a surprising result against the league leaders, or will Ajax continue their march towards the championship title with another commanding performance? With the match set to kick off at 17:45 local time, all eyes will be on Tilburg as these two teams battle it out on the pitch.
