The champion of the Dutch Eredivisie from last season Ajax starts the title defence, hosting Roda, who managed to avoid relegation. Ajax triumphed last week winning the Super Cup in an outstanding match against AZ Alkmaar. After falling behind with 0-2 until the 70th minute, the team of Ajax managed to turn the game around and deservedly lifted the trophy.
Undoubtedly, the hosts will try to start the tournament with a win in front of their own audience, but it will not be so easy for them. Although, Roda is not among the big names in the Eredivisie, last season, the team created many troubles for Ajax in the two matches played between them. In the one meeting the victory eluded Roda in the final minutes of the game, and in the following visit to Ajax, the team from Kerkrade managed to achieve a prestigious draw (1-1).
In general, however, Roda definitely is not performing quite well as a guest. The team has received at least 2 goals in 11 of its last 12 away games and lost the last 5 of them. Ajax in turn, has scored at least 2 goals in 9 of its last 10 matches. Therefore, we can expect the hosts again to reach at least 2 goals.