Ajax vs Excelsior prediction 24.04.2024

• Competition: Eredivisie
• Date: Wednesday, 24th April 2024
• Kickoff: 20:00 UTC +1 / 21:00 CEST
• Venue: Johan Cruijff Arena (Amsterdam)

On Wednesday evening, 36-time league winner Ajax will welcome the relegation-threatened Excelsior in the 31st round of the Eredivisie at Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam.

Ajax made massive changes over the summer, but that backfired heavily. The popular Sons of the Gods are nowhere near an expected level and, for most of the season, were sitting in 5th place. Right now, they are still in the same position but without a realistic chance to move upwards on the league's table, as they are seven points away from AZ Alkmaar with only four rounds left. It is almost certain that Ajax will have to play in the Conference League Playoffs to secure a European appearance next season. 

Last year, Excelsior barely secured survival, finishing 15th - four points away from the relegation playout. This year, they found themselves in a similar situation as they are in 15th place with only a point advantage over 16th-placed Waalwijk. The red-blacks expect a tough relegation battle, most likely until the last second of the season. 

Ajax vs Excelsior pick: Both teams to score

With 63 goals scored in 30 rounds (2.1 per game), Ajax are the third-best offensive team in the league. So, scoring at least once against one of the worst teams in the league is a completely realistic scenario. However, we do not trust in their defense as they allowed 56 goals and only had four clean sheets in 30 rounds - 13%.

On the other hand, even though Excelsior is very close to the relegation zone, they are much better offensively than the other teams at the bottom of the league's table, with 1.5 goals scored per game. 

In the first head-to-head game this season, we witnessed a 2-2 draw. Furthermore, both teams found the net in the last nine consecutive matches. Considering all these factors, we anticipate a high-scoring game with both teams scoring.