Sofyan Amrabat is expected to make his competitive debut for Ajax on Saturday night as the Amsterdam club hosts PSV Eindhoven in the first major encounter of the Eredivisie season. Coach Míchel has confirmed the Moroccan midfielder will start immediately, replacing Jorthy Mokio in the centre of the park. The match kicks off at 20:00 at the Johan Cruyff ArenA and will be broadcast live on ESPN 1.
Predicted Ajax Starting XI
Ajax will line up in a 4-3-3 formation with Marc-André ter Stegen in goal, protected by a defensive four of Lucas Rosa, Aaron Bouwman, Youri Baas, and Caio Henrique. New signing Thilo Kehrer, who arrived this week, begins from the bench as the backline remains unchanged from recent matches.
In midfield, Amrabat partners with Davy Klaassen for running power and experience, while Julian Brandt provides creative spark from the number ten role. Steven Berghuis operates on the right wing, with Abdellah Ouazane on the left. Up front, the 1.97-metre Tolu Arokodare leads the line as the focal point of Ajax's attack.
Squad Depth and Form
Míchel has other attacking options available from the bench, including Oscar Gloukh, Simon Adingra, and Viktor Tsygankov, though the latter missed last week's fixture. Rayane Bounida remains unavailable due to injury. Ajax arrive in strong form after crushing Telstar 4-0, which propelled them to fourth place in the table. PSV come into the match with superior momentum, having demolished FC Utrecht 6-1, leaving them second, three points ahead of their rivals.
This showdown represents the first significant test of Ajax's season and offers both sides a chance to stake their credentials in the title race. Amrabat's immediate integration into the team signals Míchel's confidence in the midfielder's ability to influence proceedings in a high-intensity contest against serious opposition.
