Ajax vs Heracles prediction 12/08/2023 Eredivisie

• Date: 12/08/2023
• Competition: Eredivisie
• KO: 19:00 UTC +1 / 20:00 CEST
• Venue: Johan Cruijff Arena (Amsterdam)

The Eredivisie returns this weekend in Amsterdam as Ajax hosts recently promoted Heracles at Johan Cruijff Arena.

Ajax vs Heracles Betting Tips: Ajax AH-1.5 / Over 2.5 goals 

After a disappointing third-placed finish last season, Ajax have endured a tough pre-season campaign which has seen them lose three and win only two of six matches. 

Somewhat worryingly for new boss Maurice Steijn, Ajax have conceded exactly three goals in each of their last four friendly games, with a total of 14 goals conceded in those six friendly fixtures. Most recently, Ajax fell to a 3:1 loss at Bundesliga side Dortmund.

On home soil, Ajax were largely inconsistent last season, and they only managed to win 8 of their last 15 home league games.

Still, despite those disappointments, it would be a massive surprise if de Godenzonen were to fail to open their season with anything other than a comfortable home victory.

Heracles arrives in Amsterdam, having made an immediate return to the Eredivisie after relegation in 2022. However, the away side have lost 13 of their last 16 away top-flight matches and will need to massively improve on their last performances in Eredivisie if they are to avoid dropping back down to the Eerste Divisie.

Historically, Ajax have dominated this fixture, particularly on home soil. The hosts have won five of their last six games against Heracles at the Johan Cruijff Arena with an aggregate score of 18-3. In fact, Ajax won by at least three goals in each of their last three home games against Heracles. 

Ultimately, this should prove a comfortable opener for Ajax, and I expect them to win by at least two goals. However, the leaky nature of their defence suggests Heracles could score in a game where we should see plenty of goal-mouth action.