Ajax vs Heerenveen Prediction – Eredivisie Round 11: Goals Expected at Johan Cruijff Arena

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🏟️ Ajax vs Heerenveen Match Overview

The iconic Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam will host an exciting Eredivisie Round 11 encounter on November 1, 2025, as Ajax welcome Heerenveen in a match that promises plenty of attacking football. Kick-off is set for 16:30 CET, and both teams are eager to solidify their positions after a turbulent start to the 2025 campaign.

Ajax, traditionally one of Europe’s most attack-minded clubs, have endured a rollercoaster year but appear to be stabilizing under their new coach. Meanwhile, Heerenveen have struggled for consistency in 2025, battling defensive vulnerabilities while still posing a serious threat in transition.

This matchup is more than just another league fixture — it’s a meeting between two clubs that embody Dutch football’s attacking philosophy. Expect goals, drama, and no shortage of flair in Amsterdam. ⚽🔥

🔥 Current Form (2025 Season)

Ajax (4th place):
After a shaky start to 2025 that saw them drop crucial points early in the season, Ajax have rediscovered their rhythm. They come into this match unbeaten in their last five Eredivisie fixtures, including an emphatic 4–1 win over NEC Nijmegen and a gritty 2–2 draw away at AZ Alkmaar.

The Amsterdam giants are now sitting comfortably in the European spots and eyeing a top-three finish. Their attack — led by Brian Brobbey and Steven Bergwijn — has been in excellent form, while the young midfield trio of Taylor, Hato, and Van den Boomen continues to impress with their energy and vision.

Heerenveen (12th place):
For Heerenveen, the season has been a mixed bag. Their early promise was followed by a series of defensive lapses that have left them stuck in mid-table. With only three wins from their first ten games, the team’s main issue remains consistency.

They’ve shown flashes of brilliance — notably in their 3–2 victory over Vitesse — but have also conceded far too easily in recent weeks, shipping 18 goals so far in 2025. Coach Kees van Wonderen will need to tighten the backline if his team hopes to compete with Ajax’s attacking firepower.


⚖️ Head-to-Head Record

Ajax have completely dominated Heerenveen in recent years. The Amsterdam side’s superior quality and attacking depth have consistently overwhelmed their northern rivals.

Last 5 Meetings (All Competitions):

  • Heerenveen 1–4 Ajax (Eredivisie, 2025)

  • Ajax 3–1 Heerenveen (Eredivisie, 2024)

  • Heerenveen 2–3 Ajax (Eredivisie, 2023)

  • Ajax 5–0 Heerenveen (Eredivisie, 2023)

  • Ajax 2–1 Heerenveen (Eredivisie, 2022)

Ajax have won all five of their last meetings, scoring an incredible 17 goals in that span while conceding just five. Heerenveen’s last win over Ajax came back in 2019 — a testament to Ajax’s long-standing dominance in this fixture.


🧩 Predicted Lineups

Ajax (4-3-3):
Rulli – Rensch, Hato, Sutalo, Wijndal – Van den Boomen, Taylor, Tahirović – Bergwijn, Brobbey, Akpom.

Heerenveen (4-2-3-1):
Noppert – Van Beek, Bochniewicz, Van Ewijk, Köhlert – Tahiri, Haye – Stevanović, Olsson, Van Hooijdonk – Sahraoui.


⚙️ Tactical Breakdown

Ajax’s Tactical Approach:
Ajax remain committed to their traditional possession-based, attacking style. Under their current manager, they’ve adopted a slightly more pragmatic version of total football — prioritizing ball control and quick vertical passing through midfield.

Brian Brobbey leads the line with power and pace, supported by Steven Bergwijn’s creativity and Chuba Akpom’s intelligent movement. In midfield, Kenneth Taylor and Van den Boomen provide structure and progression, while Jorrel Hato continues to impress as a modern ball-playing defender.

At home, Ajax’s fluid front three tend to stretch defenses wide, creating gaps for late midfield runners. Expect them to press high and try to kill the game early.

Heerenveen’s Tactical Approach:
Heerenveen typically deploy a compact 4-2-3-1 formation, looking to stay organized and hit opponents on the counterattack. Sahraoui and Stevanović are key wide threats, both capable of exploiting spaces behind Ajax’s advancing full-backs.

Their defensive setup, however, has been their Achilles’ heel. Poor coordination between their center-backs has often led to goals conceded from set pieces and quick transitions. Against Ajax’s high press, composure in possession will be crucial.


Key Players to Watch

  • Brian Brobbey (Ajax): The striker has been in excellent form, using his strength and movement to unsettle defenders.

  • Steven Bergwijn (Ajax): Ajax’s captain and creative force, capable of unlocking defenses with his flair and vision.

  • Kenneth Taylor (Ajax): The young midfielder is key in linking play between defense and attack.

  • Anas Tahiri (Heerenveen): The midfield anchor who must control tempo and protect the backline.

  • Osame Sahraoui (Heerenveen): The Norwegian winger’s pace and dribbling could be crucial on the counterattack.


📊 Match Facts

  • Ajax are unbeaten in their last 10 home Eredivisie games.

  • Heerenveen have conceded at least 2 goals in 7 of their 10 matches this season.

  • Ajax have scored 3+ goals in each of their last five meetings with Heerenveen.

  • Brobbey has scored 6 goals in his last 7 league appearances.

  • Ajax have kept 4 clean sheets in their last 6 home games.


🔮 Match Prediction

Ajax’s resurgence in 2025 has been impressive, and at the Johan Cruijff Arena, they rarely falter. Heerenveen’s fragile defense is unlikely to withstand Ajax’s attacking trio, who have been relentless in front of goal.

While Heerenveen might find a goal through Sahraoui or Olsson on the break, Ajax’s superior technical quality, home support, and attacking cohesion should see them claim a comfortable win.

Prediction 1: Ajax to Win
Prediction 2: Over 2.5 Total Goals
Prediction 3: Brian Brobbey to Score Anytime

Final Score Prediction: Ajax 3–1 Heerenveen