Ajax Amsterdam 1 - 1 Twente Enschede

Ajax Amsterdam v Twente Enschede: Preview

Updated: November 18, 2006, 2:41 PM UK

AMSTERDAM, November 18 (Eredivisie) - Ajax coach Henk ten Cate has promised to put form ahead of function as his side continues its battle for the Eredivisie crown against FC Twente on Sunday.

Ten Cate's admission comes after seeing his side relinquish the lead in the title race following their 1-0 home defeat against a workmanlike PSV Eindhoven side last weekend.

"In the early days we needed to gain the results with nice play,'' he said. "Now that last part is less important.

"When I left Holland for Barcelona three years ago I called PSV a boring team. Now, it's the new standard. I don't want to be compared with that.

"Ajax follow another philosophy. Of course I know the results count, but we want to keep our own standards.''

In spite of his stance, Ten Cate will be aware that if ever a result has to be ground out, it could well be against an FC Twente side fresh from hitting seven goals against FC Groningen last time out.

Ajax may decide to gamble on the fitness of Wesley Sneijder, who missed Holland's midweek friendly international against England with a knee injury suffered against PSV last weekend.

Edgar Manucharyan (groin), Ryan Babel (knee) and Dennis Gentenaar (back) are all expected to miss out.

FC Twente coach Fred Rutten, meanwhile, is refusing to get carried away ahead of the match at the Amsterdam ArenA, despite the emphatic manner of the recent 7-1 victory over Groningen.

"We will have a very difficult match, for Ajax is doing very well this competition and is in a good shape,'' he said.

"I have seen them last Sunday against PSV and I must say they deserved more, but PSV was more effective.''

But seven wins and three draws in 12 games has given way to an air of confidence at the Arke Stadion.

"Although Ajax is a very good team, we know that we are not a team that can be beaten easily,'' Rutten continued.

"We have players in the team who want to grow and develop, and now it is up to them to show that.''

Rutten is expected to welcome back Peter Niemeijer and Sharbel Touma from injuries, but Dmitri Shoukov (unfit), Georgi Gakhokidze (muscle problems), Patrick Gerritsen (leg) and Niels Oude Kamphuis are all expected to remain in the treatment room.