A nightmare start to the season could worsen for Ajax if they suffer another defeat, as Brighton come visiting the Johan Cruijf Arena.
Ajax may have halted their run of dismal results at the start of November with a comfortable and much-needed win over Volendam, a shot in the arm ahead of the game against Brighton & Hove Albion. If there were any lingering doubts that victory was a false dawn, the Dutch Eredivisie giants repeated the trick against Herenveen at the weekend with a 4-1 scoreline.
John van ‘t Schip’s introduction to the dugout has started reaping rewards, and fans will be delighted at the club’s decision to part ways with Maurice Steijn. Yet, there is more work to do for Ajax in the coming weeks as they will want to end on a high note before the international break, especially in the Europa League.
With two draws in their opening three games in this season’s Europa League, they are rock bottom of their group. Luckily for Ajax, the other sides here have not been consistent enough, and with three more games to run, they have every chance of progressing, especially if they win at home against Brighton.
Brighton have endured a tricky period in their season after a very positive start to proceedings early in August. The Seagulls have only one victory in their last eight games across all competition, and that one came against Ajax in the reverse fixture.
It's another @EuropaLeague week! 😁🔜 pic.twitter.com/QRDgL8RT9s
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) November 6, 2023
It also marked their maiden European victory, as Roberto De Zerbi’s side put in a comfortable showing in front of their home fans. Yet, there’s much to be desired from the Italian manager, who will demand consistent displays.
Back-to-back Premier League draws since that win over Ajax have rendered them in a position where they risk trailing some of their rivals in the top-four chase. More such displays could push them out of the equation altogether. Hence, as a measure of boosting confidence, De Zerbi would love to keep performing well in the Europa League and demand nothing less than a win over Ajax in Amsterdam.
Team News & Tactics
Ajax
Ajax do have a few key injuries in their squad, with Geronimo Rulli, Sivert Mannsverk, Jay Gorter and Amourricho van Axel Dongen all missing from action ahead of Brighton’s visit to Amsterdam. Meanwhile, the manager can rely on keeping Steven Bergwijn, who appears to have shaken off a problem caused in the reverse fixture in England.
❌ Branco van den Boomen mist de wedstrijd tegen Brighton door een knie-blessure.#UEL #ajabha pic.twitter.com/7QPCrAqkoV
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) November 8, 2023
John van ‘t Schip may have been thinking about fielding a B-themed frontline consisting of Bergwijn, Steven Berghuis and Brian Brobbey, but Chuba Akpom may have scuppered those plans after a brace at the weekend. Brobbey was also on the scoresheet, but the manager might prefer the former Arsenal man in the leading role.
In midfield, the manager might prefer to play with a three-man unit with Silvano Vos sitting at the base in the absence of Branco van den Boomen. Kenneth Taylor and Benjamin Tahirovic will play on either side. At the back, Ajax will have Josip Sutalo and Jorrel Hato in the heart of their defence, while Devyne Rensch and Borna Sosa occupy the full-back positions.
In the attack, Akpom could start the game and lead the line, as the manager will be eager to test him regularly. Bergwijn should come in on the left-hand side, while Berghuis will start on the right side of the attack for Ajax.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Ramaj; Rensch, Sutalo, Hato, Sosa; Tahirovic, Vos, Taylor; Berghuis, Akpom, Bergwijn
Brighton & Hove Albion
Roberto De Zerbi has a few key stars injured, with Julio Enciso, Solly March and Pervis Estupinan still out. Some are still doubtful to make a full comeback, with Jakub Moder and Danny Welbeck making enough progress in their race to return to action.
João Pedro has received his first call-up to Brazil’s senior squad. Well deserved, @DeJesusOfiicial! 🤩🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/7Ksu03brYA
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) November 6, 2023
The Italian manager will make fundamental changes to his side from the weekend’s action against Everton. De Zerbi has the luxury to call upon some players that he chose to rest on Saturday, with Ansu Fati and Joao Pedro among those.
Defender Igor Julio might also make the team sheet in Amsterdam, as he could partner Lewis Dunk in the centre of defence. Further back, De Zerbi might rotate his keepers again after Bart Verbruggen started at the weekend, as this midweek clash could see Jason Steele come in between the posts.
In the attack, Pedro might play behind central striker Evan Ferguson, while Kaoru Mitoma will retain his place on the left wing. Ansu Fati’s recent form may have kept him in the manager’s thinking and started this all-important European clash against Ajax.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Steele; Veltman, Dunk, Igor, Milner; Gross, Gilmour; Fati, Pedro, Mitoma; Ferguson
Key Stats
- Ajax have won their last two games in the Eredivisie.
- Ajax are winless in their UEFA Europa League group.
- Brighton have one victory in their last eight games across all competition, which came against Ajax.
- Brighton have scored in each of their last seven games across all competitions.
- Premier League sides have failed to score in their last three visits to the Netherlands in the Europa League.
Player to Watch
Evan Ferguson
After that stellar performance against Newcastle United, where Ferguson got his first hat-trick, the Irish star has somewhat disappeared from the action. He has not performed to the levels Roberto De Zerbi expects of him, but as a coincidence, Brighton & Hove Albion have underperformed in all competitions.
With goals drying up fast, these games are chances for Ferguson to get back on his feet and perform at the required levels. More than anything, Brighton needs an inspired performance in this fixture from somewhere, and it might as well come from Ferguson to put the team in a strong position in their group.
Prediction
Ajax 1-2 Brighton & Hove Albion
Based on Brighton’s performance in the reverse fixture, the away team could come into this clash as the favourites to clinch three points against Ajax. A recent revival in domestic games has seen the Amterdam-based side head in the right direction, but they might succumb to the pressure of the Europa League.
Brighton have a fluid system in place, but they have displayed some concerning form of late. However, Roberto De Zerbi will stay focused on the task and ensure his team crosses the victory line and returns to England with all three points.
