Ajax and NEC enter their head-to-head clash in good form, sitting near the top of the table. The hosts are in 4th place (42 points), with only three defeats this season. They're scoring consistently (46 goals in 23 matches), but their defensive issues are noticeable. Their average goal total in recent matches has consistently exceeded 2.5.
NEC is sensationally in 3rd place (42 points) and has demonstrated high-scoring football, with 58 goals in 23 matches (second-highest in the league, behind only PSV). The visitors' attack was particularly impressive in their 4-1 win over Heracles, but their defense has also faltered, with NEC conceding goals in all five of their last matches. The visitors aren't afraid to play top clubs.
In their first-round match, the teams drew 2-2, confirming both sides' penchant for open football. Given Ajax's attacking potential, their motivation to compete for European cups and NEK's defensive problems on the road, the likelihood of a high-scoring match is high.
