The seventeenth round of the Eredivisie brings an exciting clash between NEC Nijmegen and Ajax on December 20, a direct battle between the fourth and third-placed teams in the standings. With only one point separating them, both sides enter this fixture in excellent form and with plenty of attacking confidence. The encounter at Stadion De Goffert promises to be one of the most entertaining matches of the weekend, featuring two teams that have consistently delivered high-scoring performances throughout the season.

NEC Nijmegen’s Recent Form and Key Stats

NEC Nijmegen have been one of the surprise packages of the Eredivisie campaign, performing well above expectations and currently riding a five-match unbeaten streak. Their recent 1-3 away victory against AFC on December 16 further underlined their attacking strength. Over their last five matches, NEC have recorded four wins and one draw, averaging 3.0 goals scored and 1.6 conceded per game. This consistency has turned them into genuine contenders for European qualification.

At home, NEC have been particularly entertaining to watch. There have been over 1.5 goals in each of their last 16 home league matches, and they have scored in all of them. In fact, NEC have found the net in 22 of their last 23 matches overall, scoring at least twice in 20 of their last 22. Their attacking approach often leads to open games, with both teams scoring in the second half in 10 of their last 16 home fixtures. These numbers highlight a team that thrives on offensive football and rarely settles for a cautious approach.

Season-long statistics further confirm their attacking prowess: 8 wins, 4 draws, and 4 defeats, with an average of 2.6 goals scored and 1.7 conceded per match. NEC’s ability to maintain pressure throughout both halves has been remarkable, with goals in the second half in 28 of their last 29 games. Their fans at De Goffert have every reason to expect another lively performance against Ajax.

Ajax’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Ajax arrive in Nijmegen in resurgent form after a turbulent start to the season. The visitors have won their last five matches in all competitions, including a dominant 2-7 victory over Excelsior Maassluis on December 17. During this winning streak, Ajax have averaged 3.6 goals scored and 1.0 conceded per game, showing a return to their trademark attacking rhythm. Their season record in the Eredivisie stands at 8 wins, 5 draws, and 3 losses, with an average of 1.9 goals scored and 1.3 conceded.

Ajax’s matches have been consistently high-scoring. There have been over 1.5 goals in each of their last 33 games, and in their last nine away fixtures, over 2.5 goals have been recorded every time. The Amsterdam side have also conceded in each of their last 14 away matches, suggesting that while their attack is potent, their defense remains vulnerable. This combination often leads to thrilling encounters, especially against teams like NEC that play with attacking intent.

In the Eredivisie, Ajax’s attacking consistency is further reflected by the fact that there have been over 0.5 goals at half time in their last 18 league matches and over 1.5 goals in their last 25. Their away games follow a similar pattern, with goals in both halves being a common occurrence. The visitors will look to maintain possession and dictate the tempo, but they will need to be wary of NEC’s quick transitions and home momentum.

NEC Nijmegen vs Ajax Tactical Overview

This fixture brings together two of the most attack-minded teams in the Eredivisie. NEC Nijmegen are expected to approach the match with their usual offensive setup, pressing high and exploiting Ajax’s defensive gaps. Their recent results against top sides, including a memorable win over Feyenoord, have boosted their confidence and belief that they can challenge the league’s elite.

Ajax, on the other hand, will likely rely on their technical superiority and ball control to create scoring opportunities. Their recent run of form suggests that they have rediscovered their attacking fluidity, but their defensive line remains a potential weakness. Given both teams’ tendencies to score and concede, this match could easily turn into an end-to-end battle with multiple goals.

Historically, Ajax have had the upper hand in this fixture, winning three of the last five meetings, including a 0-3 victory in May 2025. However, NEC’s current momentum and home advantage could make this encounter far more balanced than previous ones. With both sides in prolific scoring form, fans can expect a fast-paced and open contest.

BetMines Prediction: NEC Nijmegen vs Ajax

All indicators point toward another high-scoring affair. Both teams have been involved in matches with plenty of goals, and their recent statistics strongly support that trend. According to the latest probabilities, there is a 67% chance of Over 2.5 goals in this match, while the likelihood of both teams scoring stands at 67% as well. Considering the attacking form of both sides, the most likely scenario is a game full of chances and goals at both ends.

NEC Nijmegen vs Ajax prediction from BetMines: Over 2.5 goals with 67% probability.