Highlighted: Almere City FC maintains itself in a wholly unique manner

With four losses and fourteen goals conceded in the first four matches, Almere City's start could be described as anything but smooth. Initially, Almere attempted to build from their own half, but this yielded no results. The team decided to change their approach and opt for quicker long-ball plays towards the opponent's half. Consequently, Almere engaged in the most aerial duels this season and has the lowest pass accuracy in the Eredivisie. When the ball was in the opponent's half, Almere aggressively pressed the ball.

This unique playing style proved to be effective. After round four, Almere remained difficult to beat, resulting in the team securing maintenance two rounds before the end. Almere took few risks near their own goal, making it difficult for opponents to score against the Black Sheep. Only four teams kept more clean sheets this Eredivisie season than Almere (10 times). Since 2000/01, only two promoted teams have recorded more clean sheets in the competition.

In recent weeks, Almere has struggled to secure victories, but the team remains difficult to defeat, with seven draws in the last ten matches (along with three losses). This weekend, Almere City FC will face Ajax. Earlier this season, the encounter in Flevoland ended in a 2-2 draw. Throughout Eredivisie history, only VVV-Venlo in 1956/57, ADO Den Haag in 1957/58, and Telstar in 1964/65 remained unbeaten in their first two encounters with Ajax at the highest level. Can Almere join this select group this weekend.

Follow Sunday the match between Ajax and Almere City FC live at 14:30 on ESPN!