After draws against Olympique Marseille and AEK Athens, Ajax must achieve a good result at Brighton & Hove Albion on Thursday evening to stay in the race for a place in the knockout phase of the Europa League. That promises to be a hell of a job. Hedwiges Maduro is on the bench for the first time as ‘ultimately responsible’ for the team from Amsterdam, who will kick off with a team that has changed in three places compared to the lost match in Utrecht.
It expects that Algemeen Dagblad at least. Maduro – the temporary replacement for Maurice Steijn, who resigned last Monday – cannot rely on Jay Gorter, Devyne Rensch and Georges Mikautadze in England. Gorter was Steijn’s first goalkeeper after the retirement of Gerónimo Rulli, but had to be replaced in the second half a few days ago when visiting FC Utrecht. Diant Ramaj replaced him and it is expected that the German summer purchase will make his starting debut against Brighton & Hove Albion.
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Although Ajax’s defense was not as leaky as a basket for the first time this season in the ‘relegation cracker’ against FC Utrecht, Maduro does not appear to be taking drastic measures immediately. According to the AD, the interim coach – who responded at the press conference on Wednesday evening to the stories that Steijn and he could not go through the same door together – ‘simply’ opts for Anton Gaaei, Josip Sutalo, Jorrel Hato and Borna Sosa at the back. The latter was one of the bright spots on the Amsterdam side in Utrecht – at least in an attacking sense. He provided the assists on both of Kristian Hlynsson’s goals.
Hlynsson surprisingly appeared at the kick-off in De Galgenwaard for the second time this season. The AD expects that the Icelander will ‘simply’ have to settle for a place on the bench again on Thursday evening. The newspaper opts for a midfield consisting of Benjamin Tahirovic, Kenneth Taylor and Silvano Vos. This means that Maduro will probably opt for a controlling bloc. Vos was missing from the away match against FC Utrecht due to a suspension. Up front, Maduro is reportedly making one change compared to last Sunday. Steven Berghuis replaces Carlos Forbs. Brian Brobbey and Steven Bergwijn complete the attack.
Both Brighton & Hove Albion and Ajax need a good result to stay in the race for qualification for the next round. The British were designated as big favorites for the group win prior to the start of the group stage, but are only one point after two games. After the defeat against AEK Athens, the visit to Marseille did not get any further than a draw. The winner of the meeting between Brighton and Ajax is therefore doing good business.
Will Maduro immediately lead Ajax to an important victory?
35.2% Yes, the turnaround starts tonight! 64.8% No, Brighton is far too strong
2023-10-26 05:45:13
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