Ajax's first opponent is the brand new block after the international break, PEC Zwolle. The Amsterdam team has an almost fit selection. Only Mika Godts, the only pure left winger in the selection, will not be available for the foreseeable future. How does trainer Francesco Farioli cope with the Belgian's loss? The match in the Johan Cruijff ArenA starts on Sunday afternoon at 4:45 PM and can be seen live on ESPN 2.
Godts suffered a hamstring injury on November 10 against FC Twente (2-2) and may not be available again until 2025. In addition, Kenneth Taylor will not be available in the Europa League against Real Sociedad on Thursday due to a suspension. “But there are options and solutions,” Farioli said Ajax TV. “There are plenty of players waiting for their chance.”
“It is an extra challenge for us. It is an opportunity for some players who have played fewer minutes.” There don't seem to be any surprising names in the starting line-up on goal or in defence. Remko Pasveer is behind the bar, while Devyne Rensch, Josip Sutalo, Youri Baas and Jorrel Hato form the four-man defense.
Just like Taylor, Davy Klaassen, who is not eligible to play, will also not be present in San Sebastián on Thursday, which only increases the chance that the veteran will appear at the kick-off against PEC. Jordan Henderson and Taylor are in principle also assured of a starting place and complete this line. Kian Fitz-Jim will start again on Thursday, replacing Klaassen.
Bertrand Traoré suffered from minor knee problems before the start of the match against Twente and was therefore only a substitute in De Grolsch Veste. The Burkinabe retired from the national team and has been working on his fitness in Amsterdam. The right winger therefore seems ready for his starting return. Chuba Akpom played as a false left winger earlier this season, against Besiktas and PSV, and is therefore the designated replacement for Godts.
For the striker position, Farioli will probably base his choice mainly on fitness. Brian Brobbey and Wout Weghorst each played one match for the Dutch national team during the international match. It is possible that the poor field in Bosnia and Herzegovina will play a role. In that case, Farioli's choice will probably be Weghorst, who relieved Brobbey on that field in Zenica in the 71st minute.
Presumed Ajax line-up: Pasveer; Rensch, Sutalo, Baas, Hato; Klaassen, Henderson, Taylor; Traoré, Weghorst, Akpom.
