Ajax are aiming to secure second place in the Eredivisie this season, and a victory in De Klassieker against rivals Feyenoord is paramount. With both Kasper Dolberg and Wout Weghorst fit and available, the question on the minds of Ajax supporters is: who will caretaker manager Óscar García select to lead the attack?
Ajax’s Predicted Lineup for De Klassieker: García Sticks with Solid Defense
Óscar García’s first match in charge of Ajax proved successful. Last Saturday, the Amsterdam club comfortably dispatched Sparta Rotterdam with a 4-0 victory at the Johan Cruijff ArenA.
Much of that success was down to the solid defensive setup implemented by the Spanish coach. Lucas Rosa and Takehiro Tomiyasu are expected to continue as the full-backs against Feyenoord, whereas the central defensive pairing will consist of Josip Sutalo and Youri Baas. Maarten Paes will remain in goal.
Regeer’s Replacement Unchanged
Last weekend, García fielded a midfield trio of Youri Regeer, Davy Klaassen, and Sean Steur. Yet, Regeer sustained an injury in the first half, forcing Jorthy Mokio to enter the game as a substitute.
It appears the Spanish manager will stick with the same midfield three that finished the match against Sparta. Klaassen, in particular, showed increased energy in his performance and will be looking to replicate that in De Klassieker. Steur was arguably one of the best players on the pitch in the reverse fixture against Feyenoord, and García will be hoping for a similar showing.
Dolberg or Weghorst?
Steven Berghuis also impressed against Sparta. Having previously had limited impact on Ajax’s play, the right winger and attacking midfielder enjoyed a much more influential performance last week. The left-footed player is expected to be preferred over Rayane Bounida and will be eager to make life difficult for his former club.
On the left flank, Notice no doubts: newly capped Belgian international Mika Godts, with his impressive statistics, is expected to be named in the starting lineup. The question is whether he will come up against Jordan Lotomba or Givairo Read.
Don-Angelo Konadu started as the striker against Sparta, but that will not be the case this time. Both Kasper Dolberg and Wout Weghorst are fit. García, like his predecessors, is expected to favor the Danish forward. The Dutch international will likely have to settle for a role on the bench, but could he still make a significant impact?
Predicted Ajax Lineup Against Feyenoord (4-3-3)
Paes; Rosa, Sutalo, Baas, Tomiyasu; Mokio, Klaassen, Steur; Berghuis, Dolberg, Godts.
De sterkst mogelijke opstelling voor Ajax?
The stakes are high as Ajax travel to Rotterdam to face Feyenoord in a crucial Eredivisie clash. According to beinsports.com, Ajax currently trail Feyenoord by five points with seven league games remaining. A defeat for García’s side would significantly damage their hopes of automatically qualifying for the Champions League, with only the top two sides guaranteed a place in the league phase.
Óscar García, who took over as caretaker manager of Ajax in 2026, has emphasized the importance of winning “the Ajax way.” As ajax.nl reports, García stated he wants to win, but also acknowledged the challenging atmosphere at Stadion Feijenoord. He’s looking for his team to be brave and handle the pressure at the highest level.
Feyenoord, meanwhile, will be looking to capitalize on home advantage. They recently ended a brief winless run with a 2-1 victory over Excelsior, with Raheem Sterling providing an assist in that match – his first direct goal contribution since joining the club as a free agent. Feyenoord manager Robin van Persie has noted Sterling’s growing influence and integration within the team, according to beinsports.com.
This match promises to be a fiercely contested encounter, with both teams desperate for a positive result. The tactical battle between García and van Persie will be one to watch, as will the performance of key players like Dolberg, Berghuis, and Sterling.
Ajax’s next match is scheduled for March 30th against Heerenveen at the Johan Cruijff ArenA. Kick-off is at 8:00 PM local time (2:00 PM EDT/6:00 PM GMT).
What are your thoughts on García’s predicted lineup? Share your predictions and opinions in the comments below!
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