Ajax want territory and repeated entries through their central runners. AZ have enough pace and passing to use the space that opens behind an advancing side. Once either team scores, the other has a direct route back into the box and the game can open further.
Brandt has connected with Arokodare and Ouazane, while Ajax have also renewed attacks through corners and second balls. AZ's Patati and Meerdink made chances even against Twente's deeper shape; Ajax's forward stance should give those players different space to attack. Ajax's missing Dolberg and Adingra were already absent from the Sparta attack, and AZ's Hornkamp, Smit and Resink missed Twente. Oufkir is newly suspended, while Goes is available again.
Ajax's pressure can produce another opening after a reply, and AZ can answer a lost ball with a quick move of their own. The recent low scoring games came against different shapes and do not describe this meeting's repeated supply. That's why I'm siding with a high scoring exchange.
