Ajax Shifts Focus to Eredivisie Following Champions League Exit

Following Ajax’s official elimination from both the Champions League and the KNVB Beker, the team can now fully concentrate on achieving a second-place finish in the Eredivisie. This coming Sunday afternoon, they will face Excelsior Rotterdam in Kralingen. The Amsterdam club has a score to settle, as Excelsior previously triumphed at the Johan Cruijff ArenA earlier this season, winning 1-2. It remains to be seen which players Fred Grim will field for this matchup.

In terms of team composition, Ajax had a slim chance to continue their journey in the Champions League this week; however, that dream was dashed with a 1-2 defeat to Olympiakos. This loss marked their first home defeat since November 25, when they were bested by Benfica (0-2). In the Eredivisie, Ajax has been performing well recently and currently sits just two points behind their rival, Feyenoord, who are set to play an away match against PSV this weekend.

In a tactical shift, Grim opted for Josip Sutalo in central defense last Wednesday to counteract the aerial threats posed by the Greek team. It is anticipated that Sutalo will be replaced by eighteen-year-old Aaron Bouwman this weekend, who will partner with Youri Baas at the heart of the defense. Anton Gaaei will play at right back, while Lucas Rosa takes on the left side, resulting in Owen Wijndal moving to the substitutes’ bench. Vitezslav Jaros will retain his position as goalkeeper.

In the attacking line, Ajax’s interim coach is likely to favor Rayane Bounida at right winger. The nineteen-year-old Belgian has started in the previous two league matches, while Oscar Gloukh was preferred during the Champions League fixtures. Additionally, Ajax is reportedly considering bolstering their squad with Argentine right winger Maher Carrizo during the winter transfer window.

Expected lineup for Ajax against Excelsior Rotterdam (4-3-3):
Jaros; Gaaei, Bouwman, Baas, Rosa; Regeer, Klaassen, Steur; Bounida, Dolberg, Godts.