Ajax Seeks Resilience Ahead of Clash with Go Ahead Eagles

Following the humiliating defeat in Alkmaar, Ajax must demonstrate resilience as they prepare for their upcoming league match against Go Ahead Eagles this Saturday afternoon. The battle for the second position in the standings is intense, leaving the Amsterdam team with little room for points loss. A silver lining for coach Fred Grim is the probable return of Youri Baas, who is expected to be fit enough to start. Below is the anticipated lineup for Ajax.

In recent weeks, Ajax under Grim showed surprising promise until their visit to Alkmaar last Wednesday. In the KNVB Cup, the record champions suffered a monumental and historic defeat at the hands of AZ, losing 6-0. This was a significant setback for the team, but they have little time to mourn, as another Eredivisie match awaits just three days later. Currently, they trail second-place Feyenoord by only three points.

Youri Baas’ return is crucial. In the match against AZ, Grim had to manage without Baas, who was unfit to play, a situation that proved costly for Ajax. “In Alkmaar, Baas’s absence became an insurmountable obstacle. Statistics indicate a stark contrast between Ajax with and without Baas. Fans can only hope that their leader returns quickly,” commented Mike Verweij after the 6-0 defeat. Expectations are that Baas will recover in time to participate this Saturday.

In terms of offensive strategy, Grim currently has limited options, which is likely to result in the same trio of players starting once again. On the right flank, Oscar Gloukh is set to take the field. Although the Ajax coach experimented with him in the ‘number ten’ position, he has since utilized him primarily on the wings.

Anticipated Ajax lineup against Go Ahead Eagles (4-3-3):
Jaros; Gaaei, Itakura, Baas, Rosa; Regeer, Klaassen, Steur; Gloukh, Dolberg, Godts.

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