The Philips Stadion is set to ignite this Sunday as two of the Eredivisie’s giants, PSV Eindhoven and Ajax, clash in what promises to be a captivating encounter. This fixture, affectionately known as ‘De Topper’, represents one of the most intense rivalries in Dutch football, a battle not just for three points, but for bragging rights and a significant psychological edge in the title race. With PSV currently sitting second in the league, just one point ahead of third-placed Ajax, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Will PSV leverage their home advantage to cement their position, or can Ajax’s attacking prowess overcome recent European setbacks and poor away form to claim a crucial victory? The answers will unfold in what promises to be a tactical masterclass and an emotional rollercoaster.
Head-to-Head
The rivalry between PSV Eindhoven and Ajax has spanned decades, producing numerous memorable matches. In 187 competitive games, Ajax holds a slight edge with 83 victories, compared to PSV’s 70, with 34 matches ending in a draw. This fixture is often characterized by high-scoring affairs, with 67% of the last 33 meetings seeing over 2.5 goals, and 39% surpassing the 3.5 goal mark.
Recent Results (Last 5 Meetings):
- 30 March 2025: PSV Eindhoven 0 – 2 Ajax (Eredivisie)
- 02 November 2024: Ajax 3 – 2 PSV Eindhoven (Eredivisie)
- 03 February 2024: Ajax 1 – 1 PSV Eindhoven (Eredivisie)
- 29 October 2023: PSV Eindhoven 2 – 5 Ajax (Eredivisie)
- 30 April 2023: Ajax 1 – 2 PSV Eindhoven (KNVB Cup)
Ajax comes into this match having had the better of the recent exchanges, being unbeaten in their last three Eredivisie meetings against PSV. They notably secured a league double last season, with a 3-2 home triumph and a 2-0 away win at Philips Stadion, culminating in a 5-2 aggregate score over those two league encounters.
Current Form & Team News
PSV Eindhoven
PSV’s recent form in the Eredivisie has been strong, securing four wins and one loss in their last five league outings. However, their midweek Champions League fixture saw them suffer a 3-1 home defeat to Union Saint-Gilloise, which will undoubtedly sting. Prior to that, they bounced back from a surprising 0-2 home loss to Telstar with a thrilling 5-3 away victory against NEC Nijmegen, with Ricardo Pepi netting twice.
Injuries could be a concern for the home side. Forward Alassane Plea is sidelined with cartilage damage that will keep him out for an extended period, while Mauro Junior is also out with an ankle injury. Myron Boadu and Kiliann Sildillia have also picked up knocks, and defender Armando Obispo’s availability is doubtful due to a head injury. Midfielder Joey Veerman is also contending with a thigh issue. Despite these setbacks, PSV boasts the joint-best goalscoring record in the league this season with 17 goals. Ivan Perisic has been a standout, leading the team with 7 goals, while Ricardo Pepi and Ruben van Bommel have also been in good scoring form.
Ajax
Ajax, under manager John Heitinga, has had a mixed bag of results recently. They secured a comfortable 3-1 home victory over PEC Zwolle in their last Eredivisie match, with Mika Godts scoring a brace and Davy Klaassen also on the scoresheet. However, their Champions League campaign began with a disappointing 0-2 home loss to Inter Milan. Their league form includes three wins and two draws in their last five Eredivisie matches, keeping them unbeaten domestically this season. Nevertheless, their away form in the Eredivisie has been a cause for concern, as they are winless in their last four away games, recording three consecutive draws and conceding nine goals in the process.
Ajax also faces injury woes. Midfielder Branco van den Boomen is out with a back injury until early October, while Aaron Bouwman is recovering from a minor knock. Steven Berghuis is a doubt, facing a late fitness test due to physical discomfort, and Bertrand Traoré also has an unknown injury. Furthermore, Chuba Akpom, Carlos Forbs, Borna Sosa, Kristian Hlynsson, Christian Rasmussen, and Jay Gorter have reportedly been excluded from first-team training, potentially indicating tactical changes or a push for transfers. Wout Weghorst is their leading scorer in the league with three goals.
Tactical Preview
Both PSV and Ajax are traditionally known for their attacking, possession-based football, often employing a 4-3-3 formation. Under Peter Bosz, PSV tends to play an open, fluid style, which contributes to their high goal tally but can sometimes leave them exposed defensively. Their potency in front of goal, especially at home, will be a key factor. The midfield battle, featuring PSV’s Joey Veerman (if fit) against Ajax’s Davy Klaassen, could dictate the tempo and control of the game.
Ajax, known for its “Total Football” philosophy, will aim to dominate possession and exploit spaces with quick, intricate passing. However, their recent struggles in away Eredivisie matches, coupled with defensive vulnerabilities that saw them concede nine goals in their last four away games, could be a critical weakness against PSV’s prolific attack. The loss of key players like Malik Tillman and Noa Lang for PSV, and the exclusion of several Ajax players, means both teams might be relying on new faces and tactical adjustments to fill important roles.
The match being held at Philips Stadion is a significant factor. PSV thrives at home in the Eredivisie, while Ajax has struggled on the road this season. There’s no specific information on weather or pitch conditions impacting the match, but playing at home typically provides a boost to PSV.
