KNVB Cup 2023: Ajax vs PSV: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

It's a top of table clash in the Dutch Cup final as record winners Ajax take on PSV on Sunday.

Ajax are having a not-so-memorable season by their own high domestic standards as they are currently not in contention to win their domestic league as they're currently in third place behind Feyenoord and PSV. With the season affected by managerial changes as well as many important players leaving the club in the summer, the Cup offers an opportunity to celebrate and share with their fans this year

PSV Eindhoven are looking to defend their KNVB Cup crown when they take on Ajax in the competition's showpiece at De Kuip on Sunday afternoon. Having clinched a 3-0 victory over Ajax in the league last weekend, PSV will be hopeful of making it back-to-back wins against their bitter opponents, and become back-to-back Cup winners. PSV are currently on a 13 matches unbeaten run a victory in the final will ensure a trophy for Ruud van Nistelrooy in his debut managerial season.

Kick-Off:

Sunday, 30-04-2023, 04:00 PM (GMT)

Sunday, 30-04-2023, 09:30 PM (IST)

Ajax Form (All Competitions): L-W-W-W-D

PSV Eindhoven Form (All Competitions): W-W-W-W-W

Player to Watch Out

Ajax: Dusan Tadic

The Ajax captain will be looked upon to inspire his side, similar to the numerous occasions in the past where he's delivered in the big moments for Ajax. His creativity and playmaking will be the key in the final as his false nine role has resulted in 17 assists in all competitions, this season.

PSV Eindhoven: Luuk De Jong

Luuk de Jong will be the talisman who'll need to score the goals in the box with his height and stature, and make his presence felt in the box will be key in the final against the physical central defenders of Ajax. He has 12 goals in the season and will look to add to his tally in the final and bring his second KNVB Cup to his trophy cabinet.

Match Facts

PSV are on a four-game winning run against Ajax, with 12 goals scored and five conceded.

Both these sides have faced each other 14 times in the Cup over the years with Ajax holding the edge with 9-5. They've also met four times in the final and PSV have won one and lost the other three.

Team & Injury News

Ajax will be without long-term injury absentees Ahmetcan Kapla (knee), while Devyne Rensch (thigh) and Mohammed Kudus (hamstring) in the final.

PSV will be without left-back Mauro Junior (knee) for the foreseeable future, and Joey Veerman is also a doubt due to illness.

Head-to-head Stats

Matches – 57

Ajax– 22

PSV Eindhoven– 23

Draws – 12

Predicted Lineup

Ajax Predicted lineup (4-3-3): 

Rulli; Sanchez, Timber, Bassey, Hato; Klaassen, Grillitsch, Taylor; Berghuis, Tadic, Bergwijn

PSV Eindhoven Predicted lineup (4-3-3): 

Drommel; Teze, Ramalho, Branthwaite, Van Aanholt; Til, Sangare, Veerman; Bakayoko, De Jong, Simons

Prediction for Ajax vs PSV

The Cup is a tough match-up with a lot of tactical elements involved where both teams will try to cancel each other out for most of the game. This one might end up going to penalties, as is very likely in Cup finals. However, given the form and the head to head matchups this season, PSV have the slight edge over Ajax and will just about manage to retain their Cup, back to back.

Prediction: PSV Eindhoven 2-1 AFC Ajax, after extra-time.

Telecast

India – No Telecast.

UK – Mola TV

US –GOLTV

Nigeria – No telecast.