With three fixtures left to go, Ajax is defending a four-point lead over nearest rivals PSV. Following their 3-0 victory over PEC Zwolle last weekend, trainer Erik ten Hag's team hopes to continue moving in the right direction and take a big step towards retaining the title.
As it turns out, Ten Hag will not be able to count on Ryan Gravenberch, Lisandro Martínez, Perr Schuurs or Antony in Alkmaar. The first of these injured his left ankle while training on Wednesday, and will not play again this season. The other three are also out for the rest of the season.
Ajax and AZ have already met twice this season. In the league fixture at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, the team from Alkmaar were the victors, 1-2. The Ajax players were out for the kill when it came to the cup semi-final. In March, Ajax won 0-2.
