Ajax will start the return in the eighth finals of the Europa League against Aston Villa on Thursday evening. Trainer John van ‘t Schip was already optimistic about the chance that his attack leader could appear at kick-off, and that turns out to have been right. Ajax must reach the last eight of the third European tournament in Birmingham after the first leg ended in a 0-0 draw last week.
Van ‘t Schip does not have access to the injured Steven Berghuis and Steven Bergwijn in Birmingham. In addition, right back Tristan Gooijer has been suspended after receiving a red card in the final phase during the first leg last week. There was still a small question mark behind the name of striker Brobbey, who could not start against Fortuna Sittard last weekend but came on and scored. He appears to be fit enough to start in the starting eleven at Villa Park.
As usual, Diant Ramaj defends the Amsterdam team’s goal. In front of him, Josip Sutalo, Ahmetcan Kaplan and Jorrel Hato form the trio of central defenders. Devyne Rensch, who has been used centrally lately, takes over Gooijer’s position as right wingback, while Borna Sosa occupies that position on the left. In midfield, Van ‘t Schip, as expected, opts for Jordan Henderson and Sivert Manssverk as the controlling duo and Kristian Hlynsson and Kenneth Taylor as more advanced pawns behind striker Brobbey.
Ajax line-up: Ramaj; Rensch, Sutalo, Kaplan, Hato, Sosa; Henderson, Mannsverk, Hlynsson, Taylor; Brobbey
The home team has also announced which eleven players will appear at the kick-off. Compared to the first leg in Amsterdam, Aston Villa coach Unai Emery makes five changes. John McGinn and Leon Bailey, who came on as a substitute in the Johan Cruijff ArenA, are in the starting line-up at Villa Park. In addition, Matty Cash replaces the suspended Ezri Konsa, who saw red in Amsterdam, as right back and Diego Carlos starts in Clement Lenglet’s position in the center of defense. Finally, left back Lucas Digne also disappears from the team, Álex Moreno can start in his place.
Aston Villa line-up: Martínez; Cash, Diego Carlos, Pau Torres, Álex Moreno; Bailey, McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Rogers; Diaby, Watkins
Ajax qualifies for the next round of the Conference League on Thursday at the expense of Aston Villa
2024-03-14 18:48:08
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