Dutch Eredivisie LIVE: Champions Ajax Face AZ Alkmaar in Season Opener

Kick off: Sunday 12th August
Live on Bet365 streaming 3.30pm

Current Dutch champions Ajax take on AZ Alkmaar in their first game of the 2012/13 season this Sunday afternoon at the Amsterdam Arena, and will be looking to pick up exactly where they set off.

Ajax played some super football at domestic level in the second half of last season to peg back PSV towards the latter stages, and they will need to be on their guard today if they are going to make a winning start to their campaign.

AZ Alkamaar finished a very respectable 4th in the division last term, and were the only team to go undefeated at home all season. Their away form was a little more patchy, but overall they should be pleased with their efforts.

A huge confidence booster for AZ coming into this match will be the fact that they were undefeated in all 3 meetings with Ajax last season, even managing a 3-2 win at the Amsterdam Arena in the Dutch Cup.

Both sides have had fairly successful pre season friendly campaigns, and as expected, plenty of goals have been scored. AZ have netted 20 times in their 6 friendlies, while Ajax cored 27- including a convincing 4-0 win over Celtic.

Ajax played PSV in the Super Cup last week- going down 4-2 in a thrilling match at the Amsterdam Arena. That, however, wouldn’t be considered as the perfect preparation for today, and AZ will want to pounce on any possible defensive frailties.

Bet365 make Ajax the strong favourites to win the game at odds of 8/13. An away win for AZ Alkmaar is priced at 4/1, with the draw a 3/1 chance.

Both teams are likely to be a bit ring rusty in this first game, but Ajax will be expected to entertain the home crowd and bag their first 3 points of the season.