Thursday, April 17, 2008

Luis Suarez for Ajax (v FC Groningen), 16 April 2008

This Sunday, as it was twelve months ago, the Dutch Eredivisie title will be decided on the last day of the regular season. After some penultimate week drama (Ajax's away game at Groningen was postponed after a fire broke out in one of the stands before kick-off leading to several fans being hospitalised) and PSV failing to overcome FC Twente at the Philips Stadion, the 34th game of the season will again be decisive.

PSV are the firm favourites as they take a three point lead into the last day, but they face a tricky away tie at Vitesse (where Ajax lost a fortnight ago). Ajax face Heracles at the Amsterdam Arena with a five goal superior goal difference.

If PSV avoid defeat, they'll retain the title, if they lose, it's up to Ajax to win a straightforward home tie.

At the foot of the table, the one automatic relegation place is also a tightly fought contest between VVV and Excelsior. VVV are a point behind Excelsior but have a home fixture against struggling de Graafschaap, whilst Excelsior travel to Heerenveen. I'd personally be sad to see VVV go down, as they've played some good flowing football this season, and in Nordin Amrabat have one of the country's brightest young talents.

come on Ajax! I have no particular affiliation with the Dutch legends, but if they're the Arsenal of the Dutch league, PSV are the Chelsea - amazingly effective but not terribly interesting....

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