Ajax seek back-to-back Eredivisie victories when Fortuna Sittard visit the Johan Cruyff Arena on Sunday.
The gameweek 25 encounter could see de Godenzonen close the gap on fourth spot while their opponents seek a third road win in four away games.
Match preview
Ajax's three-month upswing after John van 't Schip took charge took a downward turn, as a winless February saw the Dutch giants slip out of the top four places in the Eredivisie.
The upshot of the 36-time top-flight champions losing twice and playing out as many draws last month leaves them trailing fourth-placed AZ Alkmaar by four points heading into round 25.
That gap could increase to seven before Ajax take to the field on Sunday, with AZ hosting Excelsior in Sunday's lunchtime game in the Dutch top division, adding extra pressure on Van 't Schip's troops to claim maximum points to have a shot at next season's Europa League.
It remains to be seen how much Thursday's goalless Europa Conference League last-16 first-leg tie with Aston Villa has taken out of the most successful Dutch side or whether preparation for next week's return leg in England affects the home team's focus in the Eredivisie this weekend.
After an underwhelming February, it is imperative to avoid dropping points on Sunday to go into next week's continental tie with some momentum.
Fortuna are not expected to roll over and let Ajax have it easy, pointing to an entertaining game in Amsterdam.
Unlike their hosts, Danny Buijs's men are in encouraging league form, having secured six points from the last two Eredivisie games, beating RKC Waalwijk 1-0 and thrashing Excelsior 5-2 last weekend to rise to 11th in the standings, with the possibility of moving into the top eight if they secure maximum points in round 25.
While Fortuna have notched two wins on their last three away trips, facing Ajax is a different kettle of fish for the visitors, who have nothing but disheartening memories from previous games in Amsterdam.
In five trips to the Johan Cruyff Arena, the Sittard-based club have netted twice — a 5-2 defeat in October 2020 — and twice lost 4-0 and 5-0 in their remaining games against the Eredivisie giants, pointing to another heavy defeat this weekend.
Thus, Buijs hopes that Ajax have next week's match with Aston Villa on their minds to avoid another pummelling against De Joden.
Team News
Devyne Rensch was dismissed in the final 10 minutes of the 90 against Utrecht last time out, and the Ajax centre-back is suspended this weekend.
Gaston Avila (knee) and Steven Bergwijn (muscle) are doubtful, but Josip Sutalo and Steven Berghuis are absent for a few more weeks.
Arianit Ferati is Fortuna's only reported injury issue before this weekend's trip to Ajax.
Kaj Sierhuis netted a hat-trick in last weekend's 5-2 win over Excelsior, and the forward should back himself to stun the home side in Amsterdam.
Ajax possible starting lineup:
Ramaj; Medic, Kaplan, Hato; Gooijer, Mannsverk, Henderson, Sosa; Hlynsson, Taylor; Brobbey
Fortuna Sittard possible starting lineup:
Verrips; Pinto, Guth, Siovas, Dijks; Ozyakup, Duarte; Lonwijk, Oratmangoen, Cordoba; Sierhuis
We say: Ajax 2-2 Fortuna Sittard
Ajax are unbeaten in 10 matches against Fortuna, and even if that is expected to become 11 this weekend, the home side's European exertions and an eye on next week's match at Villa Park could mean the Sittard outfit claim a point in Amsterdam.
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