Ajax Shifts Focus to Eredivisie as Champions League Dreams Fade

omidbasir- Following Ajax’s official elimination from both the Champions League and the KNVB Cup, the team can now concentrate fully on securing the second position in the Eredivisie. This Sunday afternoon, they will face Excelsior Rotterdam in Kralingen. The Amsterdam side is eager to settle a score with Excelsior, who previously triumphed in the Johan Cruyff ArenA earlier this season with a 1-2 victory. The question now remains: what lineup will Fred Grim deploy?

**Probable Starting Lineup for Ajax Against Excelsior Rotterdam**

Earlier this week, Ajax had a slim chance of continuing in the Champions League, but this hope was dashed following a 1-2 defeat to Olympiakos. This loss marked Ajax’s first at home since their game against Benfica on November 25, where they also lost 0-2. However, in the Eredivisie, Ajax has been performing well lately, currently trailing their rivals Feyenoord by just two points, who will be playing an away match against PSV this weekend.

**Josip Sutalo Returns to the Bench**

On Wednesday, Grim opted to include Josip Sutalo in central defense to counter the aerial threats from the Greek side. It is anticipated that Sutalo will be replaced by Aaron Bouwman this weekend. The 18-year-old defender is expected to partner with Youri Baas in the heart of the defense, while Anton Gaaei takes the right-back position and Lucas Rosa occupies the left. This adjustment will see Owen Wijndal move to the bench, with Vitezslav Jaros starting as goalkeeper.

**Oscar Gloukh Faces More Competition**

In the attacking front, Ajax’s interim coach is likely to prefer Rayane Bounida on the right wing. The 19-year-old Belgian has started the last two league matches, while Oscar Gloukh was favored in the Champions League. There are indications that Gloukh may face additional competition this winter, as Ajax is reportedly interested in Argentine right winger Maher Carrizo.

**Probable Starting Lineup for Ajax Against Excelsior Rotterdam (4-3-3)**

Jaros; Gaaei, Bouwman, Baas, Rosa; Regeer, Klaassen, Steur; Bounida, Dolberg, Godts.

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