Sparta Rotterdam (home)
- Sparta Rotterdam have played with a similar identity since Maurice Steijn took over in November 2024, although they lack the same flair in the final third and this is reflected in the Sparta Rotterdam vs AFC Ajax betting tips.
- Steijn’s side are organised and disciplined in their defensive third, using compact defensive blocks and selective pressing to prevent opponents from playing through the centre of the field.
- Sparta often counter quickly when the opportunity arises.
- Sparta have won two and lost three of their last five in all competitions and are currently on a two-match losing streak.
Ajax (away)
- Ajax are back to their familiar best under new manager Johnny Heitinga, whose appointment in May 2025 has seen him quickly instil the club’s famous DNA while also adding his own modern tweaks.
- Ajax are undefeated away from home in Eredivisie 2025-2026, where they have drawn all three of their away games, including a 2-2 draw at PSV Eindhoven.
- Heitinga has returned to his roots with a disciplined possession-based approach and high pressing game, while midfield dynamics and forward rotations create chaos in the attacking third.
Head-to-Head
- Our Sparta Rotterdam vs AFC Ajax prediction is influenced by the fact that Ajax have won three of the last five Eredivisie meetings and drawn the other two.
- Sparta are without a victory in their last two meetings at Het Kasteel.
- The sides drew 1-1 at Ajax’s home five months ago, showing Sparta can frustrate Ajax.
Key Players
- Wout Weghorst is Ajax’s main threat up front with a physical presence and three goals in six Eredivisie appearances.
- Patrick van Aanholt can provide an injection of creativity from the left with three assists in six Eredivisie outings.
- Tobias Lauritsen is Sparta’s leading attacker with three Eredivisie goals in seven games.
Betting Insights
- Ajax are the strong favorites at 1.82, while Sparta are priced around 3.8 in the win-draw-win market, and the latest Sparta Rotterdam vs AFC Ajax betting tips suggest a tight contest.
- Over 2.5 goals is appealing at 1.53 given both sides’ defensive records.
- Sparta have conceded an average of 3.33 goals per game at home while scoring just 1.00.
- Ajax have won just one of their three away games but remain unbeaten away with three draws so far.
Prediction
Ajax’s superior away performance, head-to-head record and more potent attacking options should be enough for them to secure a close win, although Sparta’s counter-attacking prowess could keep it tight.
