Ajax’s line-up for the squatter against PSV in Eindhoven is known. Trainer Erik ten Hag makes a basic place for Daley Blind, whose employability was questionable. The match between the numbers two and one of the Eredivisie starts on Sunday at 2.30 p.m. in the Philips Stadium.
Prior to the game, it was already known that Noussair Mazraoui would not be available. The right back has been missing in the last three official games and is still not fit, leaving Devyne Rensch as a right back. There was also a question mark behind the name of Nicolás Tagliafico, who injured his hip in the away match against Lille OSC last Thursday and allegedly contracted the corona virus. The left back is not part of the match selection.
Blind’s employability was also questionable. He was left with physical complaints about the return game against Lille on Thursday, in which he operated as a left back, but is still available against PSV. In the front, David Neres makes way for Sébastien Haller, who is not eligible to play for European matches. The nineteen-year-old middle division Quinten Timber is part of the selection for the first time since the previous competition match with PSV (2-2 on January 10).
Ajax can take a big step towards the national title in Eindhoven. In a victory, Ten Hag’s team makes a gap of nine points with PSV. Moreover, Ajax has played one less match than the number two. PSV actually has to win to keep the title battle exciting for the time being. The team from Eindhoven could also be less certain in second place in the event of a defeat, as AZ is four points behind and will face Feyenoord later on Sunday.
Ajax setup: Stekelenburg; Rensch, J. Timber, Martinez, Blind; Álvarez, Klaassen, Gravenberch; Antony, Haller, Tadic.