Erik ten Hag has released Ajax’s line-up for the home game against FC Groningen on Sunday morning. The coach of the leader in the Eredivisie chooses Edson Álvarez and Lisandro Martínez in the center of the defense. Daley Blind is missing due to a knee injury and Nicolás Tagliafico is fit enough to make his return. The meeting in the Johan Cruijff ArenA between the list leader and the current number six in the rankings starts at 12.15.
Blind was left with the knee injury to the midweek cup victory (0-3) at sc Heerenveen. Davy Klaassen is struggling with ankle complaints after the game in Friesland, but he can still start on Sunday afternoon. At Ajax, Noussair Mazraoui is still struggling with an eye injury, causing Jurriën Timber to start as right back. Devyne Rensch and Zakaria Labyad are also not available against Groningen due to various injuries.
Ten Hag chooses Mohammed Kudus as number ten shortly behind the attackers and the midfield further consists of Klaassen and Ryan Gravenberch. David Neres is given preference over his Brazilian compatriot Antony on the right flank in view of Thursday’s Europa League duel with Young Boys. Perr Schuurs still had a basic place in Heerenveen, but starts on the bench a few days later. Maarten Stekelenburg again defends Ajax’s goal, which can take the next step towards the national title.
Ajax is working on a very strong series in the Eredivisie, because Ten Hag’s formation has been unbeaten for thirteen matches in a row. The last loss dates from December 5, when FC Twente left Amsterdam with a 1-2 victory. After Sunday’s encounter, the focus will be on Thursday’s home game with Young Boys in the eighth final of the Europa League. FC Groningen has not lost the last four league matches. The last loss was on January 30 against Heracles Almelo (1-0).
Ajax setup: Stekelenburg; J. Timber, Alvarez, Martinez, Tagliafico; Klaassen, Kudus, Gravenberch; Neres, Haller, Tadic
Line-up FC Groningen: