Ajax v Groningen Prediction: 17/20 Ajax can seal play-off progress

Ajax fell well short of expectations with a fifth-place finish in the Eredivisie, but they are two matches away from potential European qualification, starting with a fixture against ninth-placed Groningen at Kras Stadion in Volendam.

It has been a tough season for Ajax, whose tally of 14 Eredivisie wins is the lowest for them since the 1964-65 campaign.

And there is a real danger of them having to play a season without European football for the first time since 1965-66.

Ajax's Interim manager Oscar Garcia has been in charge for eight games, posting three wins, three draws and two defeats.

His side have failed to win any of their last three fixtures and there was a price to pay with the Amsterdam giants dropping out of the top four.

Groningen finished just eight points worse off and are much happier to have secured an extension to their season.

The Pride of the North have improved on last season's 13th place and are approaching the Ajax game in high spirits after victories at home to NEC (2-1) and away to Heracles (2-1) in their last two matches.

Ajax v Groningen Tips Summary

Best Bet - Ajax to win @ 17/20
Alternative Bet - Wout Weghorst to score anytime @ 13/10
Bet Builder -  Over 3 goals, Thom Van Bergen to have a shot on target & Mika Godts to assist a goal @ 6/1

Ajax v Groningen Prediction

Best Bet: Ajax to win @ 17/20

Inconsistent Ajax are heading for a rebuild in the summer, but they can maintain their hopes of European qualification by defeating Groningen on neutral territory.

Too many draws (14 from 34 games) have prevented Ajax from finishing higher up the table.

However, they finished the season with a plus 21 goal difference, having conceded just 41 goals (the second lowest in the division).

Ajax probably should have accumulated a few more points and they look solid favourites against Groningen, who they have beaten in seven of the last nine meetings.

Groningen made sure of a playoff spot by winning their last two matches, but they are the lowest scorers among the top half teams.

They have kept just three clean sheets among their last 15 fixtures and may lack the defensive discipline to cope with Ajax, who have some high quality players at the top end of the pitch.

Alternative Bet: Wout Weghorst to score anytime @ 13/10

One of Ajax’s most recognisable attackers is towering centre-forward Wout Weghorst, who is still a regular for the Netherlands on the international stage.

Like many of his team-mates, Weghorst has had a difficult campaign.

However, he has netted in two of his last five appearances and could be the man to break Groningen’s resistance.

Ajax v Groningen Bet Builder Tip

• Over 3 goals

• Thom Van Bergen to have a shot on target

• Mika Godts to assist a goal

  Pays @ 6/1

There is a recent history of high-scoring games between Ajax and Groningen with six of the last seven generating at least four goals.

And another entertaining contest seems likely as Ajax prepare to throw everything at attempting to stay in the hunt for European qualification.

There will be opportunities for Groningen on the counter-attack with centre-forward Thom Van Bergen likely to pose their biggest threat.

Van Bergen has scored nine league goals from 102 attempts and he looks a solid wager to at least get an effort on target.

Ajax's standout attacker has been Mika Godts, who has contributed 17 league goals and 12 assists. The Belgian looks like a future star and can add to his assist tally.

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Key Match Stats

• Eight of the last nine matches between Ajax and Groningen have generated at least three goals

• Ajax have won seven of the last nine fixtures between the teams

• Ajax have scored in 16 of their last 18 games

• Both teams have scored in each of Groningen’s last four matches

• Groningen have started the scoring in each of their last three fixtures

• Two of the last four matches involving Groningen have delivered at least four goals

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.