Ajax v Sparta Rotterdam: European play-off places in focus | OneFootball

Ajax host Sparta Rotterdam in the Eredivisie at the Johan Cruijff ArenA on Saturday, 14 March 2026, with fifth facing seventh and European play-off places at stake.

Ajax have controlled this fixture in recent league meetings, with Sparta Rotterdam yet to claim a win, though the last clash ended 3-3.

Godenzonen are without a win in four league games, while Sparta Rotterdam are winless in five. Both remain inside the top eight play-off pack.

Godenzonen will be without Wout Weghorst through suspension and Ko Itakura, Olexandr Zinchenko and Vitezslav Jaros through injury. Mika Godts leads their attack with 13 league goals and eight assists this season. For Sparta Rotterdam, Lushendry Martes is sidelined, and Tobias Lauritsen has 10 league goals.

Godenzonen average 1.8 goals per game with 57% possession and 85.83% passing accuracy this season. They deliver 316 open-play crosses at 16.77% accuracy and have nine headed goals, which could test a visiting defence that has conceded 43 despite nine clean sheets and 480 aerial duels won. Breaks and set pieces may therefore carry weight.

A home win would take Godenzonen to 47 points and could move them towards the top four. Victory would lift Sparta Rotterdam to 41 points and strengthen their grip on the play-off places, keeping them in the top eight mix.