Ajax Takes on NEC with Revamped Lineup
Amsterdam, Netherlands – December 1, 2024 – Ajax is set to face NEC on Saturday afternoon, and coach Francesco Farioli has shaken things up with a starting lineup featuring several fresh faces. The match, kicking off at 11:45 am EST, will be broadcast live on ESPN 2.
Top scorer Brian Brobbey will be absent from the squad after sustaining a concussion in the midweek matchup against Real Sociedad.
Remko Pasveer will guard the Ajax net, shielded by a backline of Devyne Rensch, Josip Sutalo, Ahmetcan Kaplan, and Jorrel Hato. Youri Baas will provide support from midfield.
In a midfield shakeup, Kian Fitz-Jim gets the nod ahead of Chuba Akpom, while veteran Branco van den Boomen steps in for captain Jordan Henderson, who starts on the bench.
Up front, Wout Weghorst leads the attack, flanked by Steven Berghuis on the right and Kristian Hlynsson on the left. Bertrand Traoré provides an attacking option from the bench.
Acknowledging NEC’s recent form, Farioli said, "They are doing well in the Eredivisie. They are playing well and getting good results. It’s always difficult for us when we only have one day to prepare for the game. But that’s just the way it is.”
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NEC’s Starting Eleven: Rowan; Pereira, Márquez, Verdonk, Reinders; Hoedemakers, Sano, Van Crooij; Gonzalez, Hansen, Ogawa.
Ajax’s Starting Lineup: Pasveer; Rensch, Sutalo, Kaplan, Hato; van den Boomen, Klaassen, Taylor; Berghuis, Weghorst, Hlynsson.
2024-12-01 14:33:00
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## Ajax’s Revamped Lineup Faces NEC Test: Will Fresh Faces Secure Victory?
**Amsterdam, Netherlands – December 1, 2024** – Ajax step onto the pitch this Saturday facing NEC, with coach Francesco Farioli opting for a notable lineup shakeup following Brian Brobbey’s recent concussion. This intriguing Eredivisie clash kicks off at 11:45 am EST, broadcasting live on ESPN 2, and promises an exciting battle as Ajax’s new formations are put to the test.
To analyse the implications of this tactical shift and predict the likely outcome of the match, we’ve invited renowned Dutch football analyst **Hans Kraay Jr.**, a respected commentator and former professional player, known for his incisive insights. Kraay Jr. will join us in unpacking Farioli’s strategic decisions and assess NEC’s chances against the revamped Ajax squad.
### **Repercussions of Brobbey’s Absence**
**World Today News:** Hans,Ajax will be without their top scorer,Brian Brobbey. How notable an impact will his absence have on the team’s attacking prowess?
**Hans Kraay Jr.:** Brobbey’s absence is undoubtedly a blow, but Wout Weghorst is more than capable of stepping up. He’s proven himself a consistent goalscorer and will relish the chance to lead the line. The key will be how the midfield service adapts to his style.
### **Analyzing the Midfield Shuffle**
**World Today News:** Farioli has made significant changes in midfield, notably replacing Chuba Akpom with Kian Fitz-Jim and veteran Branco van den Boomen taking Jordan Henderson’s place. what do these changes tell us about the coach’s tactical approach for this game?
**Hans Kraay Jr.:** This points to Farioli prioritizing possession and build-up play. Fitz-Jim is a creative player with a knack for unlocking defenses, and van den Boomen’s experience will be crucial in dictating the tempo. Henderson’s absence might suggest Farioli wants more control in midfield rather than explosive runs.
### **NEC’s Threat and Match Prediction**
**World Today News:** NEC has been in good form. Can they capitalize on Ajax’s missing pieces and secure an upset?
**hans Kraay Jr.:** NEC shouldn’t be underestimated. They’re well-organized and hazardous on the counterattack. However, Ajax, even with the changes, has a much stronger squad.
I believe Ajax will win, but it won’t be a walk in the park. Expect a closely contested match with NEC pushing Ajax until the final whistle.
**Key takeaways:**
This Saturday’s clash between Ajax and NEC promises to be a captivating encounter filled with tactical intricacies and thrilling moments. While Brobbey’s absence is a setback, Farioli’s revamped midfield could prove decisive, showcasing the depth and adaptability within the squad.
** What are your predictions for the match? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and check out our pre-match analysis for further insights!**
