The line-up of Ajax is known for the away match against FC Volendam. Compared to Tuesday’s Champions League match with Napoli (1-6 defeat), Alfred Schreuder does not make any changes to his starting eleven. However, the trainer does puzzle with his setup. Daley Blind starts as a center defender and Calvin Bassey as a left back, while Dusan Tadic can show himself again from his trusted position as a left winger. In Volendam, the first whistle from referee Allard Lindhout sounds at 4.30 pm.
As expected, Remko Pasveer will defend Ajax’s goal on Saturday in the Kras Stadium. The 38-year-old keeper has to deal with (from right to left) Devyne Rensch, Jurriën Timber, Daley Blind and Calvin Bassey. The latter two therefore change positions. Steven Bergwijn starts as number 10. Bergwijn’s position in the front left is taken over by Dusan Tadic. In midfield, Kenneth Taylor and Edson Álvarez must ensure control.
Dusan Tadic therefore starts from the left flank and has to supply attack leader Mohammed Kudus. There is again no starting place for Brian Brobbeuy Ajax disappointed in the Eredivisie a week ago. In their own Johan Cruijff ArenA, only one point (1-1) was taken against Go Ahead Eagles. Volendam was no match for Fortuna Sittard: 2-0. The last time that Ajax played in and against Volendam in a competition was in 2008. The reigning national champion from Amsterdam won 1-2 at the time.
FC Volendam line-up: Stankovic; Neighbor, Plat, Mbuyamba, Murkin; Mirani, Oristanio, Eiting; Douiri, Muhren, El Kadiri
Ajax setup: feather; Rensch, Timber, Blind, Bassey; Alvarez, Taylor, Bergwijn; Mountain House, Kudus, Tadic
Correction: in the earlier article with Ajax’s line-up, Francisco Conceição was mistakenly noted as the basic player. Sorry for the misunderstanding.