Ajax Seeks Victory Against Fortuna Sittard After Recent Draws

omidbasir- After enduring a defeat and two consecutive draws, Ajax is eager for a victory. This coming Saturday, the team will host Fortuna Sittard, currently positioned eleventh in the Eredivisie, at the Johan Cruijff ArenA. Coach Fred Grim is expected to make some changes to the lineup, with Oleksandr Zinchenko likely to make his first start for the club. Here is a look at the anticipated lineup as Ajax aims for three points.

Ajax is actively competing for second place in the Eredivisie, with Feyenoord and NEC as their primary challengers. Following a midweek loss for NEC against FC Utrecht (1-3), Ajax now finds itself two points behind NEC and three points adrift of Feyenoord. After two consecutive draws in league matches, a victory over Fortuna Sittard is crucial. On Monday afternoon, Ajax secured a 2-0 win in a friendly against Telstar, with goals from Zinchenko and Kian Fitz-Jim.

**Oleksandr Zinchenko’s Expected First Start**

Following his impressive performance in the friendly against Telstar, Zinchenko appears ready for his inaugural start. He is set to begin at left-back, while Anton Gaaei will occupy the right flank. Another new signing, Takehiro Tomiyasu, also saw significant playing time in the friendly, but a starting position may be premature for him. The central defense is expected to feature Ko Itakura and Youri Baas, with Itakura favored over Josip Sutalo. Vitezslav Jaros will take his place in goal.

**Fred Grim Sticks with Rayane Bounida**

In the attacking lineup, Grim is likely to maintain consistency from last weekend’s match against Alkmaar. This means Rayane Bounida will again start on the right wing, relegating Gloukh to the bench. It is anticipated that Steven Berghuis will also be included in the matchday squad, having made his return to action against Telstar on Monday after a lengthy absence.

**Projected Ajax Lineup Against Fortuna Sittard (4-3-3)**

Jaros; Gaaei, Itakura, Baas, Zinchenko; Regeer, Klaassen, Steur; Bounida, Dolberg, Godts.