Ajax host NEC at the Johan Cruyff ArenA on Saturday evening in a crucial Eredivisie fixture, with coach Míchel forced to navigate a depleted squad due to multiple injury absences. The kickoff at 21:00 will be broadcast live on ESPN 1, offering the Amsterdam side an opportunity to maintain their push toward the title race before their Conference League clash with Hajduk Split on Thursday.
Míchel's injury crisis has forced significant tactical adjustments to his starting lineup. Anton Gaaei, Caio Henrique, Daley Blind, Steven Berghuis, and Kasper Dolberg are all ruled out, leaving the Spanish coach with limited options across defence, midfield, and attack. The silver lining comes with the return of Aaron Bouwman to fitness, while two exciting talents could make their Eredivisie debuts on Saturday. Simon Adingra and Yves Bissouma have trained with the squad and could feature, as Míchel hinted during his pre-match press conference, providing fresh energy to a side stretched thin by the congested fixture schedule.
Predicted Ajax Formation and Starting XI
In goal, Marc ter Stegen will continue between the sticks despite playing a supporting role in the team's structure. The defensive line sees Lucas Rosa at right-back and Owen Wijndal deployed on the left flank, with Thilo Kehrer and Youri Baas forming the central partnership. The midfield trio of Jorthy Mokio, Davy Klaassen, and Julian Brandt provides the engine room, with no surprises expected in these positions. Berghuis' injury opens the door for Viktor Tsygankov on the right wing, while false nine tactics could see Oscar Gloukh operate from the left with Tolu Arokodare leading the line as a traditional striker.
- Defensive concerns with five key players sidelined
- Potential debuts could ease squad depth issues
- Conference League preparation amid Eredivisie title race
- Aaron Bouwman's return provides defensive cover
Victory is essential if Ajax hope to remain competitive in the title race, with rivals closing the gap week by week. The fixture serves as ideal preparation ahead of the European midweek encounter, allowing Míchel to assess his squad's depth without risking undue fatigue before the knockout stage. Ajax's attacking threat will depend heavily on Tsygankov's creativity and Arokodare's movement, two players tasked with compensating for Berghuis' absence in the attacking third.
