AMSTERDAM (Interstat) — Ajax looks to solidify its Eredivisie standing and rebound from a rare home defeat when it visits struggling Heracles Almelo on Saturday.

The matchup at Erve Asito is a stark contrast in recent fortunes. Ajax, the Amsterdam giant, arrives after a surprising 2-1 home loss to Twente on April 4 snapped a nine-match unbeaten run in all competitions. Prior to that, John Heitinga’s side had been consistent, with five draws and four wins in its previous nine league games, including a 1-1 result at rival Feyenoord.

Heracles, meanwhile, is mired in a defensive crisis. The hosts were thrashed 4-1 at Heerenveen last Sunday, marking the sixth time in their last ten league matches they have conceded three or more goals. Their form shows just one win since late January, a 2-1 victory over Fortuna Sittard on Feb. 1.

The head-to-head history heavily favors Ajax, which won the season’s earlier meeting 2-0 in Amsterdam last August. Ajax’s attack, which put four goals past Fortuna Sittard and Jong Sparta in recent weeks, will test a Heracles backline that has shipped 18 goals in its last five outings.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Ajax is projected to secure a 2-1 victory.

For Ajax, this contest begins a critical period. After a friendly against Paderborn on April 12, the team faces a tight title race with league fixtures against NAC Breda, PSV, Utrecht and Heerenveen in May.

Heracles, fighting to climb the table, faces a similarly congested finish with upcoming matches against Volendam, PEC Zwolle, Telstar and Groningen.

Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. local time (1900 GMT) in Almelo.