The lineups of Ajax and PSV are known for the squatter in the Eredivisie. Erik ten Hag again prefers Steven Berghuis to Davy Klaassen in midfield for the home team. Roger Schmidt has to do without tastemakers Cody Gakpo and Noni Madueke among the visitors. The difference between the two teams in the ranking is two points in favor of the team from Amsterdam. The duel between Ajax and PSV starts at 4.45 pm in the Johan Cruijff ArenA and is led by referee Serdar Gözübüyük.
Berghuis can once again count on a basic place at Ajax. The left leg is currently keeping Klaassen out of the starting lineup and is given full confidence by Ten Hag in the number 10 position. The coach of the leader has no injuries except for a number of long-term injuries. The injured Maarten Stekelenburg and Sean Klaiber are not among them, while André Onana is still serving a suspension. Ajax will start against PSV unchanged compared to the Champions League match with Borussia Dortmund (4-0).
At PSV, Gakpo is struggling with an ankle injury. The the Dutch international went head-to-head against AS Monaco in his own half and ended up unhappy. The attacker was examined in hospital after the lost Europa League match and was told the bad news there. Madueke grabbed his hamstring in the game against the Monegasques and had to be replaced as well. His place is taken by Carlos Vinícius, while Gakpo sees his place taken by Bruma.
Vinicius’ starting spot means that Schmidt is likely to return to last season’s 4-2-2-2 system. The striker hired from Benfica forms a striker couple with Eran Zahavi. The lack of Gakpo and Madueke will be great for the people of Eindhoven. Earlier this season, Madueke claimed an absolute leading role in the duel with Ajax for the Johan Cruijff Scale. The winger took two hits in the 0-4 won game. Gakpo scored three times and provided seven assists. He was thus involved in ten of the 22 Eredivisie goals this season on behalf of PSV.
Ajax setup: feather; Mazraoui, Timber, Martinez, Blind; Álvarez, Gravenberch, Berghuis; Anthony, Tadic; Haller
PSV line-up: drum; Mwene, Ramalho, Boscagli, Max; Van Ginkel, Sangare; Gotze, Bruma; Venicius, Zahavic