Ajax Seeks Redemption Against AZ Following Heavy Cup Defeat

Ajax is determined to achieve revenge following their devastating 6-0 defeat to AZ in the KNVB Cup. This Sunday, the two teams will face each other again, this time in a league match in Alkmaar. Coach Fred Grim’s squad has seen improvements in several positions, although they are still in need of a new central midfielder. It remains to be seen which eleven players Grim will select to seek justice against AZ.

The competition for second place in the Eredivisie is heating up. League leaders PSV have extended their lead after a victory over Feyenoord, leaving Ajax 18 points behind. The Amsterdam club is fully focused on securing the second position and is competing alongside Feyenoord and NEC for direct access to the Champions League. To achieve this goal, Grim’s team must demonstrate greater consistency, as they squandered a 2-0 lead in recent matches against Go Ahead Eagles and Excelsior Rotterdam, resulting in lost points.

Oleksandr Zinchenko is one of Ajax’s winter signings and has been cleared to play for the upcoming match on Sunday; however, he has not yet trained with the team and is likely to start on the bench. Vitezslav Jaros is expected to be the starting goalkeeper, though he now faces competition from Maarten Paes. Anton Gaaei will take the right-back position, while Grim is likely to opt for Jorthy Mokio on the left. The center-back pairing is expected to consist of Josip Sutalo and Youri Baas.

Another recent acquisition, Maher Carrizo, will initially adapt to the European football environment with Jong Ajax, as confirmed by football director Marijn Beuker. Additionally, he is currently ineligible to play. Rayane Bounida is anticipated to start again on the right flank, while Gloukh, recovering from illness, will begin the match on the bench.

Projected lineup for Ajax against AZ (4-3-3):
Jaros; Gaaei, Sutalo, Baas, Mokio; Regeer, Klaassen, Steur; Bounida, Dolberg, Godts.

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