Twente (w) vs Ajax Amsterdam (w) on 17 January
On January 17th, two of the most prominent clubs in Dutch women's football, Twente (w) and Ajax Amsterdam (w), will go head-to-head in what promises to be a thrilling encounter in the Women’s Premier League. The match will be played at the De Grolsch Veste in Enschede, and with both teams vying for top-tier positions, every point will be crucial as the season nears its pivotal stages. With a top-four finish in the race for European spots on the line, this fixture is not just a derby but a crucial battle for supremacy.
Twente (w): Tactical Approach and Current Form
Twente have been in exceptional form this season, currently sitting near the top of the table, having won four of their last five matches. Known for their high pressing and fluid counter-attacking style, they consistently dominate possession and create high-quality chances through rapid transitions. In the last five games, they’ve maintained a strong average of 57% possession, with a particularly high 74% pass accuracy in the final third, showcasing their dominance in the attacking half.
Their tactical setup revolves around a 4-3-3 formation, with the full-backs often pushing high to support the wide attacking players. Midfield control is key to their strategy, with their deep-lying midfielder orchestrating build-up play, ensuring that the team moves fluidly between defense and attack. Their pressing system is well-coordinated, with their forwards initiating the high press to recover possession quickly. With a total of 80% pressing efficiency in the opposition's final third, they force errors and capitalize on defensive lapses.
In terms of key players, Twente’s attacking duo of Katja Snoeijs and Fenna Kalma will be vital. Kalma, with her sharp movements and lethal finishing, has contributed to 8 goals this season, while Snoeijs is an explosive winger capable of breaking defensive lines and creating chances. In midfield, Renate Jansen’s ability to win duels and distribute the ball quickly makes her the engine of the team. The biggest concern for Twente heading into the match is the injury to their key defender, Dominique Janssen. Her absence in central defense could shift the balance slightly, leaving Twente slightly vulnerable at the back.
Ajax Amsterdam (w): Tactical Approach and Current Form
Ajax, on the other hand, have enjoyed a solid run of form in the Women’s Premier League, coming into this fixture with three wins in their last five matches. Under manager Danny Schenkel, Ajax employ a possession-based style, often controlling the ball for extended periods, averaging 61% possession in their last five games. Their playing style focuses on quick, short passes to pull opposition defenses apart, utilizing their wingers to stretch the play and create space for their attacking players.
Ajax’s typical formation is a 4-2-3-1, which allows their full-backs to overlap and support the wide attacking midfielders. In midfield, the pivot pair work to break down the opposition’s play and dictate the tempo of the match. Their pressing is less aggressive than Twente's but more calculated, with a focus on regaining possession in the middle third before transitioning quickly into attack. They average a solid 14.6 shots per game, and while their xG (expected goals) per match sits at 2.1, they will be looking to capitalize on any errors in Twente’s defense, especially given the potential absence of Janssen.
In terms of key players, Ajax’s front-line trio, led by the versatile and skillful Anna Miedema, will be crucial in breaking down Twente's defensive lines. Miedema's intelligence off the ball and clinical finishing have been central to Ajax’s success this season, and she is likely to be the focal point in attack. Behind her, the midfield duo of Damaris Egurrola and Stefanie van der Gragt provides a solid foundation, with Egurrola’s ball-winning ability and van der Gragt’s tactical awareness adding balance. However, Ajax will miss the dynamic presence of injured winger Victoria Pelova, which could limit their width and attacking options on the flanks.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
The head-to-head record between these two clubs has been closely contested in recent years, with Twente having the upper hand in the majority of encounters. However, Ajax showed signs of improvement last season, earning a crucial 2-2 draw at home against Twente. Historically, matches between these two teams have been high-intensity affairs, with both sides evenly matched in terms of possession, although Twente tends to generate more high-quality chances through direct play. The psychological factor here will also be important; with Twente striving to retain their position in the top two and Ajax pushing for a spot in Europe, the stakes could heighten tensions, especially in the latter stages of the match.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
The central midfield battle will be decisive in this encounter. Twente’s Renate Jansen will have the task of neutralizing the influence of Ajax’s Egurrola and van der Gragt. Jansen’s ability to break up play and transition quickly into attack will be vital in stifling Ajax’s build-up. In attack, the key duel will be between Twente’s Katja Snoeijs and Ajax’s right-back, Tessel Middag. Snoeijs’ pace and dribbling will test the positioning and recovery speed of Middag, potentially exposing Ajax’s right side.
Another area to watch is Twente’s high pressing game, particularly in how they deal with Ajax’s center-backs. If Twente can force Ajax’s defenders into mistakes, they could exploit the space left behind for Kalma and Snoeijs to thrive in counter-attacks. Ajax will need to remain composed under pressure and find ways to bypass Twente’s press, especially through quick, short passes that get the ball to Miedema in dangerous areas.
Match Scenario and Prediction
Given the tactical approaches of both teams, we can expect a high-energy encounter with significant possession battles in the midfield. Twente’s pressing style is likely to disrupt Ajax’s build-up play, and with the added pressure on Ajax’s defense to cope without Pelova, Twente could exploit this. The absence of Janssen in Twente’s defense could allow Ajax to create chances through Miedema, but it’s the speed of Twente’s counter-attacks that could prove decisive in this match.
We predict a narrow win for Twente, with a final scoreline of 2-1. The match will be full of end-to-end action, but Twente’s ability to win the ball high up the pitch and capitalize on Ajax’s defensive frailties will tip the scales in their favor. Expect both teams to score, and with Twente’s clinical finishing, they should edge this battle for supremacy.
Final Thoughts
This is a must-win game for both sides as they chase crucial points in the Women’s Premier League. Twente’s pressing game and counter-attacks will be key in unsettling Ajax’s rhythm, while Ajax will rely on their possession-based system to control the match. The absence of key players on both sides, notably Janssen for Twente and Pelova for Ajax, will make for an intriguing tactical contest. The match will answer one key question: Who will emerge as the dominant force in Dutch women’s football this season, Twente with their relentless pressure or Ajax with their calm possession-based approach?
