Ajax and AEK Athens will wrap up their Europa League group-stage campaigns at the Johan Cruijff Arena in their final Group B fixture on Thursday night.
Both teams cannot progress to the knockout rounds. However, the fight for finishing third and securing a spot in the Europa Conference League remains on the line.
Match Preview
Ajax, under new head coach John van ‘t Schip, have shown signs of improvement after a challenging start to the season. Despite recent wins in Eredivisie matches, they’ve suffered defeats to Brighton & Hove Albion and Marseille in the Europa League.
Struggling in the bottom of Group B with just two points, Ajax needs a win against AEK Athens to move ahead into the third spot and keep their European hopes alive.
AEK Athens, after an initial strong start with four points in their first two group matches, faced successive defeats. They come into this match after a 1-0 home loss to Brighton two weeks ago.
Though unable to advance to the knockout stage, a draw against Ajax could secure AEK Athens the third position and a chance to enter the Europa Conference League playoff round.
Ajax has a history of success against AEK Athens, winning four of their last five European encounters.
Team News
Ajax will miss Branco van den Boomen, Remko Pasveer, and Mika Godts due to injuries. Steven Berghuis is suspended, while Jay Gorter is doubtful. Carlos Forbs might replace Berghuis, and Brian Brobbey could lead the attack.
AEK Athens will be without Paolo Fernandes, Cican Stankovic, and Mijat Gacinovic due to injuries and suspension. Steven Zuber might be in attack alongside Nordin Amrabat and Niclas Eliasson.
Possible Lineups
Ajax:
Ramaj;
Rensch, Sutalo, Hato, Sosa;
Tahirovic, Taylor, Hlynsson;
Forbs, Brobbey, Bergwijn
AEK Athens:
Stankovic;
Sidibe, Vida, Mitoglou, Hajsafi;
Szymanski, Mantalos, Pineda;
Amrabat, Zuber, Eliasson
Prediction: Ajax 2-1 AEK Athens
Expecting a close encounter, Ajax’s recent form suggests they might edge past AEK Athens in a closely fought match to secure the third position in Group B.