Ajax vs Excelsior Line-up: Predicted XI & Injury News

Now that Ajax has been officially eliminated from the Champions League and the KNVB Cup, it can fully focus on achieving second place in the Eredivisie. The match against Excelsior Rotterdam is scheduled for next Sunday afternoon in Kralingen. The Amsterdam team still has a bone to pick with Excelsior, which won in the Johan Cruijff ArenA earlier this season (1-2). Which names does Fred Grim send into the field?

Probable line-up Ajax against Excelsior Rotterdam

Ajax had a small chance of surviving in the Champions League this week, but that dream went up in smoke when they lost to Olympiacos (1-2). That meant the first defeat at home since Benfica at home on November 25 (0-2). The Amsterdammers have been doing well in the Eredivisie lately. The deficit to rival Feyenoord, which plays an away match at PSV this weekend, is two points.

Opponent Excelsior drew its last three matches. Visiting FC Twente (0-0) and AZ (1-1) and at home against Telstar (2-2) respectively. The Kralingers are in a respectable thirteenth place, seven points ahead of the place that means direct relegation. Earlier this season, Excelsior managed to pull off a stunt in Amsterdam by winning 1-2. Noah Naujoks scored twice and Kasper Dolberg returned the favor on behalf of Ajax.

Josip Sutalo back to the bench

Last Wednesday, Grim consciously chose Josip Sutalo in the center. The strong Croat had to thwart the Greek danger from crosses. It is expected that Sutalo will be replaced by Aaron Bouwman next weekend. The eighteen-year-old defender forms the heart of the defense together with Youri Baas. Anton Gaaei plays at right back, with Lucas Rosa on the left. As a result, Owen Wijndal moves to the reserves bench. Vitezslav Jaros stands under the crossbar.

It looks like Grim is leaving his midfield intact again. Youri Regeer is still the only controlling midfielder in the selection, although Ajax would love to hire an experienced controller during the last days of this transfer period. Furthermore, Sean Steur plays in the left zone and Davy Klaassen as an attacking midfielder.

Oscar Gloukh again a victim

In the vanguard, Ajax’s interim coach probably prefers Rayane Bounida on the right winger. The nineteen-year-old Belgian was also allowed to start the previous two competition matches, while Oscar Gloukh was preferred in the Champions League. They may have some additional competition this winter. Ajax is explicitly linked with the Argentinian right winger Maher Carrizo.

As usual, Mika Godts plays on the left side, who has been there all season. In addition, Grim will again start with Kasper Dolberg at the point of attack, after he was accurate from the penalty spot against Olympiakos. Furthermore, Wout Weghorst was given some minutes again in the past two matches, although he is not yet fit enough to start.

Probable line-up Ajax against Excelsior Rotterdam (4-3-3)

Jaros; Gaaei, Bouwman, Baas, Rosa; Regeer, Klaassen, Steur; Bounida, Dolberg, Godts.