It is quite possible that Ajax will be certain of the championship tonight. Before a big party can break loose in the city, the matches AZ-Ajax and Feyenoord-PSV must yield a favorable result for Ajax.
First of all, Ajax has to beat AZ. The match starts at 2.30 pm and ends around 4.15 pm. From that moment on, it is a half hour wait before Feyenoord-PSV starts. If PSV, the number two in the ranking, lose that match, then Ajax is sure of the scale. We’ll know a little after 6:30 p.m. They will only receive that scale at the next match, Wednesday in the Johan Cruijff Arena, because this afternoon immediately after the match, nothing is certain yet.
Other scenarios
If PSV draws, then Ajax is as good as certain of the championship if they win. If Ajax then lose twice and PSV win twice, then they are equal in points. Because the team of coach Erik ten Hag has a much better goal difference (Ajax now has +74 and PSV +42), Ajax will almost certainly remain at the top in that case.
A different scenario unfolds if Ajax loses points in Alkmaar today. When PSV wins, it suddenly becomes a lot more exciting in the Eredivisie. Suppose: Ajax loses, then PSV can approach one point behind with a win. In a tie, that difference would be three points.
Last matches
Both clubs have two more games to play after today. Ajax will play at home against sc Heerenveen on Wednesday evening at 8 p.m. and travel to Arnhem on Sunday for the match against Vitesse. PSV has an apparently easier program. The people of Eindhoven receive NEC on Wednesday and play out at PEC Zwolle four days later.
AZ has proved to be a difficult opponent in recent years. Ajax still lost in December the home game of the Alkmaarders (1-2) who are now fifth in the Premier League. In the away match against AZ, Ajax has to do without a number of permanent names, such as that of Ryan Gravenberch† Anthony and Lisandro Martinez.