Ajax and Marseille are set to kick off their Europa League group campaigns with an exciting face-off at the Johan Cruyff ArenA on Thursday. Both teams are determined to bounce back from recent disappointments and start their European journey on a positive note.
Match Preview
Ajax enters this season after a slightly underwhelming performance in the Eredivisie, finishing third in the league standings.
Their continental run last season ended in a defeat to Union Berlin in the Europa League knockout playoffs.
However, they managed to secure a spot in this year’s Europa League qualifying playoff round by defeating Ludogorets Razgrad with a convincing 4-1 victory in Bulgaria.
Under the leadership of new coach Maurice Steijn, Ajax has struggled to find consistency in the Eredivisie, currently sitting on five points after four matches.
With their domestic title hopes wounded, their focus now shifts to European action, as they aim to secure three points on their home turf.
Marseille, on the other hand, finds themselves in the Europa League after an unsuccessful Champions League qualifying bid.
They finished third in Ligue 1 last season and entered the Champions League third qualifying round. However, a penalty shootout defeat against Panathinaikos saw them drop into Europe’s second competition.
Despite the off-field issues, including the departure of coach Marcelino and president Pablo Longoria, Marseille has maintained an unbeaten record in Ligue 1 so far this season.
However, they have drawn their last two matches and will be eager to return to winning ways against Ajax.
A victory in the Netherlands would establish their dominance in the group ahead of matches against Brighton & Hove Albion and AEK Athens.
Team News:
Ajax is expected to be without goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli and young defender Ahmetcan Kaplan for Thursday’s game.
Coach Steijn might opt for several changes following their defeat to FC Twente, with Branco van den Boomen and Kenneth Taylor vying for midfield positions.
Upfront, Brian Brobbey, who has scored three goals this season, will look to lead the attack. Steven Bergwijn, Steven Berghuis, and summer signing Chuba Akpom are likely to provide support in the attacking trio.
Marseille will miss winger Ismaila Sarr due to injury. Joaquin Correa and Francois Mughe are expected to occupy the flanks, while Geoffrey Kondogbia could feature in the midfield alongside Valentin Rongier or Jordan Veretout.
Upfront, Iliman Ndiaye may partner Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, providing Marseille with attacking firepower.
The defensive line is likely to remain unchanged, comprising Jonathan Clauss, Chancel Mbemba, Leonardo Balerdi, and Renan Lodi, provided Balerdi recovers from a slight injury concern.
Possible Lineups:
Ajax:
Gorter;
Gaaei, Sutalo, Hato, Sosa;
Van Den Boomen, Taylor;
Borges, Mikautadze, Bergwijn;
Brobbey
Marseille:
Lopez;
Clauss, Mbemba, Balerdi, Lodi;
Mughe, Kondogbia, Veretout, Correa;
Ndiaye, Aubameyang
Prediction: Ajax 1-1 Marseille
Both Ajax and Marseille have experienced mixed starts to their respective seasons, making it difficult to predict a clear winner in this match.
Ajax is lacking confidence and momentum, while Marseille is dealing with off-field instability.
As a result, we anticipate a closely contested game that could end in a draw, with both teams eager to find their best form.
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