ADO Den Haag (w) vs Ajax Amsterdam (w) on 25 January
The stage is set for an electrifying showdown in the Women’s Premier League on January 25th, as ADO Den Haag (w) prepares to host Ajax Amsterdam (w) at the Kyocera Stadium in The Hague. With both teams desperate for points to secure their ambitions for the remainder of the season, this clash promises to deliver drama, tactical nuance, and passion. The stakes couldn't be higher for both sides: ADO Den Haag is battling for survival in the league, while Ajax Amsterdam is looking to cement their position in the top half of the table. The fierce rivalry between these two Dutch giants always guarantees a match full of intensity, and this encounter will be no different.
ADO Den Haag (w): Tactical Approach and Current Form
ADO Den Haag enters this match with a mixed bag of results in their last five fixtures, registering two wins, two losses, and one draw. Despite this, they will draw confidence from a recent 3-1 victory over FC Twente (w), which showcased their ability to disrupt opposition flow with aggressive pressing and swift transitions. Head coach Michel Kreek has implemented a system that blends a 4-2-3-1 setup with high pressing, particularly targeting the opposition’s buildup from the back. The two central midfielders play a crucial role in this, often dropping deep to intercept passes and then launching quick counter-attacks.
Key statistics highlight their fighting spirit, with a pass accuracy of 79% in the final third and an average of 14 pressing actions per match, indicating a high-energy approach. However, their xG (expected goals) over the last five matches stands at just 1.2 per game, reflecting struggles in the final third. Their defensive line has been shaky at times, conceding an average of 1.8 goals per match during this period. The key player to watch will be captain and central midfielder Lynn Wilms, who has been vital in dictating play and distributing passes. Wilms’ ability to link defense to attack will be critical in this high-pressure encounter.
However, ADO Den Haag is not without its issues. Star forward Lisa de Vanna, known for her pace and creativity, will miss the game due to injury, significantly impacting the team’s attacking threat. Her absence leaves a void in the final third, where ADO Den Haag will need other players, such as the industrious Laura Dekker, to step up and provide the necessary support to their lone striker.
Ajax Amsterdam (w): Tactical Approach and Current Form
Ajax Amsterdam (w) heads into this encounter in fine form, having secured four wins and one draw in their last five league matches. They currently sit in the upper echelons of the table, with their eyes firmly fixed on European qualification. Head coach Danny Schenkel’s side plays an attractive brand of football characterized by fluid possession and high pressing. Ajax frequently uses a 4-3-3 formation, dominating the midfield with a compact and aggressive approach. They excel in controlling the ball in the final third, boasting a possession rate of 60% across their last five matches and averaging 5.8 shots on target per game.
The team’s xG stands at 2.1 per match over this period, highlighting their clinical edge in front of goal. A key factor in their recent success has been the link-up between central playmaker Victoria Pelova and forward Lineth Beerensteyn. Pelova’s vision and ability to pick out forward runs have been essential, while Beerensteyn’s speed and finishing skills make her a constant threat to opposition defenses. Ajax’s high pressing intensity also forces opponents into mistakes, with an impressive 17 successful pressing actions per match.
While the team is in good form, there are some injury concerns. Defender Anouk Dekker will miss the match due to a hamstring issue, and her absence could leave a gap in the defensive structure. However, Ajax’s squad depth, including the likes of Stefanie van der Gragt in defense, gives them confidence in overcoming this challenge.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
The historical context of this fixture makes for intriguing reading. In their last five meetings, Ajax Amsterdam (w) has dominated with four wins and just one draw. However, the games have not always been straightforward. In their previous encounter, Ajax triumphed 2-1, but ADO Den Haag displayed resilience, fighting back after going 2-0 down. Ajax’s dominance has often come from their control in midfield, but ADO Den Haag has proven capable of exploiting spaces left in transitions. This suggests that ADO Den Haag will need to rely on their counter-attacking game once again to cause problems for Ajax, especially in exploiting any gaps left by their advanced full-backs.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
The key battle in this match will undoubtedly be in the midfield. Victoria Pelova of Ajax will go head-to-head with Lynn Wilms of ADO Den Haag in what promises to be a fascinating duel. Pelova’s ability to dictate the tempo and link the midfield to the attack will be pivotal in unlocking ADO Den Haag’s defense, while Wilms’ ball-winning capabilities and distribution will be crucial in launching counter-attacks. If Wilms can neutralize Pelova's influence, ADO Den Haag will have a chance to disrupt Ajax's rhythm.
Another key area will be the wide positions. Ajax’s full-backs, especially Mazic and Koster, love to overlap and contribute to the attack. However, this often leaves spaces in behind. ADO Den Haag’s wingers, particularly the pacey Romée Leuchter, must look to exploit these gaps on the counter. The battle between Leuchter and Ajax’s full-backs will be a decisive one. If Leuchter can use her pace to exploit the space left by the advanced full-backs, ADO Den Haag may find joy in transition.
Match Scenario and Prediction
Given the contrasting styles of the two teams, the match is likely to see Ajax dominate possession, controlling the game and looking to break down ADO Den Haag's defense with intricate passing and high pressing. However, ADO Den Haag will likely play on the counter, relying on quick transitions and exploiting Ajax’s defensive vulnerabilities. We can expect Ajax to control the early stages, but ADO Den Haag will have opportunities to hit on the break, particularly through Leuchter’s pace.
The most likely outcome is a hard-fought win for Ajax, but not without resistance. ADO Den Haag will make life difficult for Ajax with their high pressing and direct play, but the quality of Ajax’s attacking options should prove decisive in the end. Expect Ajax to edge out a 2-1 victory with an xG of around 2.0 and ADO Den Haag registering 1.1 xG.
Final Thoughts
This clash represents an intriguing tactical battle between two teams with contrasting playing styles. Ajax’s possession-based football will be tested by ADO Den Haag’s high-pressing game and counter-attacks. The key factor will be whether ADO Den Haag can neutralize Pelova’s influence in midfield and capitalize on Ajax’s defensive gaps. As the teams take to the field, all eyes will be on the midfield battle and how the game unfolds in transition. Can ADO Den Haag cause a major upset, or will Ajax continue their march toward European football?
