Ajax Aims for Home Victory Against Excelsior in Eredivisie Round 13

omidbasir- Following the international break, Round 13 of the Eredivisie features a crucial match for Ajax, who will host Excelsior at the Johan Cruyff Arena on Saturday evening. The Amsterdam club is eager to secure their first home victory since September 27, when they triumphed 2-1 against NAC Breda. Coach Fred Grim faces significant challenges as he prepares the team for this encounter.

Ajax has been in need of the interland break, as turmoil continues within the club. The results this season have been far from satisfactory, with only one victory in their last eight matches, necessitating an urgent turnaround. Prior to the break, Ajax suffered a 2-1 defeat to FC Utrecht, marking Fred Grim’s debut as interim coach. This weekend’s match against Excelsior is essential for restoring order and confidence within the squad.

In light of Owen Wijndal’s injury, Grim had to make unexpected adjustments during the match against FC Utrecht. Gerald Alders stepped up and played the full ninety minutes, and it is anticipated that he will retain his starting position this weekend. Lucas Rosa is also expected to be favored over Anton Gaaei for the other fullback position. The center-back pairing will consist of Josip Sutalo and Youri Baas, while Ko Itakura is likely to remain on the bench. Remko Pasveer continues to be the primary goalkeeper for the time being.

The forward position poses a significant challenge for Grim ahead of Saturday’s match. Kasper Dolberg made a brief return in Utrecht, playing only three minutes, and it appears he may not be fit to start. Additionally, Wout Weghorst has been ruled out due to an injury sustained while with the national team, which coach Ronald Koeman described as more serious than initially thought. Should both players be unavailable, it is likely that Don-Angelo Konadu will lead the attack.

The anticipated starting lineup for Ajax against Excelsior (4-3-3 formation) is as follows: Pasveer; Rosa, Sutalo, Baas, Alders; Regeer, Gloukh, Taylor; Moro, Konadu, Godts.