PSV Eindhoven v Ajax Amsterdam
Football : Netherlands - Eredivisie
Sunday 18th September 2011 - Kickoff 12:30

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PSV Eindhoven

PSV signed striker Matavz on the last day of the transfer window, the striker they were looking for a long time. Even though the huge investments, the board and manager Rutten are still stating the title is not a must, which seems a bit strange.

So far PSV Eindhoven haven't shined this season. Home wins against Excelsior and RKC Waalwijk with more problems than expected, and last week they only took 1 point at VVV Venlo. They managed to equalise 15 minutes before the final whistle, and were looking for the winner, especially when VVV got a red card. Although they did get their chances, they failed to capitalise.

The only signing that is really impressive so far is Dries Mertens. He has scored in all 5 Eredivisie matches this season, and scored the winner in yesterday’s Europa League match. Again PSV didn’t convince although they were far better than their Polish opponents, and I had a feeling they had an half eye pointed on the upcoming fixture against Ajax.

All other million signings are expected to start with Wijnaldum and Strootman on midfield and Matavz as striker. Midfielder Hutchinson is the only absentee at this point. Namewise this squad looks good enough to fight for the title, but so far it’s mediocre. In my eyes there will come a turning point, and it wouldn’t surprise me if it was in this match.

Ajax Amsterdam

Ajax are topping the table with 13 points out of a possible 15. Their only draw was at VVV, were they were in trouble just like PSV last week, and had to fight back from two goals down. Defensively they are not without errors, and Ajax has conceded at least one goal in all their Eredivisie matches.

Last week Ajax started poor in yet another away match, and the first goal of their opponents was not a surprise. Ajax were 1-0 down for the 7th(!) consecutive away match. Obviously they fought back again and got to a comfortable lead before conceding again, with a final result of 3-2.

In Ajax's first Champions League match of the season they tried to go for a win against Olympique Lyonnais, but failed to score and the match ended goalless. Olympique came for a point and it was clear they gambled on a breakout, and both teams had their chances.

Joint club topscorer Sulejmani came out injured of this match and will be unavailable for two weeks. Another winger, Ebecilio, is suspended due to a red card last week, and another possible back-up, Ozbiliz, is just back from injury and I doubt he’ll feature. So 18-year old talent Lukoki has joined the squad.

All in all Ajax is short on wingers, where left winger Boerrigter is the only available regular winger. If manager de Boer decides to play Eriksen as winger, this will damage their chances as he is the creative brain of the team and plays a big role in the heart of the team.

The Betting Verdict

Ajax manager de Boer wants his team to get PSV on a 6-point deficit, but it will be a very tough match. PSV is not in the best of shape, but this might give them the extra motivation to go all out.

Quality-wise PSV is better than they have played so far, and it’s a matter of time before they click and will play as a collective. Ajax is short of players upfront, and do not create chances easily.

Furthermore Ajax are known for starting bad in away matches, something that can be crucial in this match. Ajax managed to beat PSV only once in their last 13 matches at Eindhoven, with the others being 4 draws and 8 losses. These numbers are obviously favouring PSV.

It’s hard to oppose my own club, but in this case I’ll be backing PSV to get their season really started.

PSV to win @ 2.29 Pinnacle

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take PSV Eindhoven to win @ 2.29 at PinnacleSports