Big Weekend, Part One
By: Matt | November 15th, 2008Just when you thought it was safe to claim that the eredivisie had a “big four”, the big four have fabulously refused to cooperate. The last few years just do not support this thesis. PSV won’t share the title, Feyenoord quits trying in the second half, AZ chooses to collapse instead, and Ajax has been far too inconsistent to earn a codified honorific. Meanwhile, FC Twente plays in the CL and NAC Breda sits at the top of the table. So, to make the claim that the title will be won or lost for Ajax this weekend and next is more than a bit suspect.
However, taking points from these matches will make a huge statement. NAC Breda and Groningen will be watching to see if Ajax or PSV or AZ show any signs of weakness. If one of the leads dogs falter, the underdogs will start howling and will continue to do so all spring. I am not a believer in the eredivise “big four”, but I do think that if one of big four seizes control, the whole dynamic will change. And none of the big four has such a blatant opportunity to send a message than Ajax does the next two matches. If we do the unthinkable and take 6 points, I think that mentally we will be in the driver’s seat.
The match will be won on the pitch, but we could easily lose both these in the trainer’s room. Missing for the match will be KJH, Cvitanich, Stekelenburg, Donald, Aissati, Gentenaar, Sarpong, and van der Heijden. Sulejmani will be returning but has not played 90 minutes for some time, and the same goes for Eyong Enoh. Oleguer and Vermaelen will both reportedly play after leaving the midweek KNVB Cup loss (which I am going to ignore. We win the title this year, yeah?). Urby has been hobbled with a hamstring but will reportedly play. Evander Sno and Suarez will be the healthy part of our attack, but neither was impressive in our midweek loss to Volendam (last time I mention it).
What a great time to face PSV! Actually, its not bad. They have lost 3 of their last 6 league matches, and they also got busted by AZ midweek (KNVB). And both Afellay and Kromkamp are hobbled but will probably play. The match will be in Amsterdam, so we have that going for us. All in all, despite the injuries, we have a real chance here.
VD Wiel Vermaelen Oleguer Urby
Gabri Enoh Lindgren
Sulejmani Sno Suarez
Ajax 2 - 1 PSV
Sulejmani 12′ (channeling his inner Kirk Gibson before leaving at half)
Koevermans 43′
Suarez 68′ (he is gonna learn to be clutch, or he is gonna take a dive and win a PK)
Category: Team News
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