John van’t Schip takes charge as Ajax’s interim head coach, preparing to face FC Volendam in an Eredivisie showdown at the Johan Cruijff Arena on Thursday evening.
While Ajax currently finds themselves at the bottom of the table, FC Volendam is just two points ahead in the 16th position.
Match Preview
A week after parting ways with Maurice Steijn, Ajax announced John van’t Schip as their interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
This move follows his departure from the Greece national team manager role two years ago. His return to Ajax was inspired by his late wife’s wish before her recent passing.
Van’t Schip, who made more than 300 appearances for Ajax as a player, returns to manage Ajax for the first time since his brief stint in 2009. His task is to steer the team that has had a challenging start to the 2023-24 season.
Assistant coach Hedwiges Maduro temporarily took charge for Ajax’s recent games, including a humbling 5-2 defeat against PSV Eindhoven.
This loss marked Ajax’s fifth consecutive league defeat, a historic low for the 36-time Dutch champions.
Although Ajax is currently 25 points behind PSV, they focus on escaping the relegation zone.
A victory against Volendam is vital, but it may not be enough to lift them out of the bottom three just yet.
FC Volendam has fared slightly better than Ajax in the Eredivisie this season.
They enter the match with two wins in their last three games, including a 3-1 home victory against Excelsior.
Volendam is the only Eredivisie club yet to earn a point on the road this season, with four away losses.
However, they previously secured a draw during their last visit to Ajax and have scored in their last six meetings with the Amsterdam giants.
Ajax Eredivisie form: D L L L L L
Ajax form (all competitions): L D L L L L
FC Volendam Eredivisie form: L D L W L W
Team News
Ajax will be without goalkeeper Jay Gorter and defender Devyne Rensch due to injuries.
Geronimo Rulli, Sivert Mannsverk, and Amourricho van Axel Dongen are also sidelined.
Carlos Forbs and Borna Sosa missed the last game but are likely to return to the squad.
John van’t Schip may make changes to the starting lineup, with Jakov Medic, Benjamin Tahirovic, Silvano Vos, Georges Mikautadze, and Chuba Akpom competing for a spot.
For FC Volendam, Koen Blommestijn, Luke Le Roux, Brian Plat, Joey Antonioli, and Robin Maulun are injured.
Captain Xavier Mbuyamba is doubtful due to illness, and Josh Flint may continue at center-back.
FC Volendam’s starting lineup is expected to remain largely unchanged, with Garang Kuol, Robert Muhren, and Bilal Ould-Chikh leading the attack.
Predicted Starting Lineups
Ajax possible starting lineup:
- Ramaj;
- Gaaei, Medic, Hato, Sosa;
- Van den Boomen, Tahirovic, Taylor;
- Bergwijn, Brobbey, Forbs
FC Volendam possible starting lineup:
- Backhaus;
- Ouur, Benamar, Flint, Cox;
- De Haan, Mirani, Twigt;
- Ould-Chikh, Muhren, Kuol
Prediction
Both teams have had defensive struggles this season, and their previous encounters have seen goals. We predict a 2-2 draw between Ajax and FC Volendam.