To Frisia and Beyond

I must say, as an American, I look forward to seeing Micheal Bradley take the pitch. As an Ajacied this week, I am dreading it. His scoring record is ridiculous for a guy who should be standing around the center circle, right? I mean, and he is an American, too. So scoring touch in European competition must be too much to ask, right? Forgive me if I might be hoping he manages a goal. A goal. As in one and only one. No hattricks, OK?

Because this is a big game for Ajax. So, the title is out of reach. But the (stupid/ridiculous/outrageous/nevertheless exciting) playoffs for European places are still ahead. In the second year of (ignoring the importance of the league table) these playoffs, Ajax has a decent history in this little competition-after-a-competition. Of course, last year we finished second in the league and so had the advantages of seeding and home field for these two-legged beauties. So, with the league table looking like this:

PSV – 64
Ajax – 57
Heerenveen – 54
Feyenoord – 54
NAC Breda – 54
FC Twente – 52

… a loss would put us even with Bradley & Co, and potentially even with a winner of Feyenoord at NAC Breda on Sunday. A draw would not be a complete disaster, but it would make us sweat it out. For those of you wishing for another photo-finish end of the season (last year, PSV won on goal differential over Ajax after a win and an AZ loss on the last day of the season), it looks possible. At least, it looks possible for the playoff spots (2-5). An Ajax win distances us from that pack, so let’s keep this race from getting too exciting.

If there are any youngsters to be blooded, this is not the time. I would love to catch a glimpse of Javier Martina, or Jan Arie van der Heijden. But this match is kind of a big deal. Then again, I don’t really want to see Kennedy or Rommedahl running down the wings either. Leonardo has been interesting, and may play an ongoing role. But I dunno what to say about the lineup. Koster has admitted the title race is over, and the playoffs are now priority. Does that mean experimentation against a potential playoff opponent, or does that mean grind out a positive result at all cost? What would you do?

Category: Team News

Tags: Heerenveen, match preview, playoffs, Team News

Subscribe   The Offside RSS Feeds

Print

Share