Tonight Ajax can take a big step towards wintering in the Champions League. The leader of Group C must then book a good result against Borussia Dortmund (21.00), according to Erik ten Hag the absolute favorite in the group. The selection of Ajax is almost complete and so the trainer has something to choose from. The big question is whether Davy Klaassen or Steven Berghuis will get the confidence as an attacking midfielder. Ten Hag was already out on Monday: “We have made the choice, you will see tomorrow.”
After convincing victories over Sporting Portugal (1-5) and Besiktas (2-0) Ajax leads the group with six points and a goal difference of plus six. Borussia Dortmund also won the first two group matches and follows in second place with a goal difference of plus two. Sporting and Besiktas, who have not yet collected a point, will face each other tonight at 6.45 pm. If the numbers three and four of the group draw, then the same result could be favorable in Amsterdam with a view to qualifying for the next round. Ten Hag acknowledged at the press conference on Monday that the duel in Istanbul is being looked at with a slanted eye. In advance, however, the result will not affect Ajax’s battle plan. During the match, a possible draw in the game between Besiktas and Sporting can have an influence. “Then that could play a role, yes, I think”, said Ten Hag, who indicated that ‘it could’ that Ajax would be satisfied with a point against Dortmund. Still, the team from Amsterdam will want to keep the three points in their own sold-out house tonight. “Because our philosophy is that we want to win every game. That’s how we will start every duel. We face our opponent with an open mind.”
There was a lot to do about Erling Braut Haaland in the run-up to tonight’s meeting. The Norwegian top striker from Dortmund has been sidelined in recent weeks and it was uncertain for a long time whether he would be available in the Johan Cruijff ArenA. Last Saturday Ajax received an answer, when the attacker appeared in the starting line-up for the game against FSV Mainz 05 (3-1 win). He graced his return with two goals. Ajax talent Jurriën Timber and his colleague in the back Lisandro Martínez can prepare for duels with one of the best strikers in the world. “I am ready, also for the phenomenon,” said Timber, who sat next to Ten Hag during the press moment on Monday. “I don’t need to explain how good Haaland is. He is a world striker. We’ve talked about how to cleverly defend him. I also discussed that with the trainer, but we also discuss that when I play against other strikers.”
Ten Hag emphasized on Monday that Borussia Dortmund, the current number two in the Bundesliga, is more than just Haaland. “We don’t play against Haaland, we play against Borussia Dortmund,” Ten Hag made clear. He therefore did not seem happy with the questions from Joep Schreuder, who started the press conference by asking Timber whether Ajax is ready for ‘the phenomenon’, after which he asked Ten Hag whether Haaland can be stopped. “It’s an insult to those other players how you, how you talk about Haaland. Dortmund is an excellent team with a very good striker. There is not one player with us who is going to specifically stop him. We have to stop him as a team. we are going to approach him. That is how we are going to play against Dortmund.” When asked, Ten Hag indicated that he attributes a favorite role to Dortmund in the group. “I already said after the draw that Dortmund is the favorite in this group. We as the Netherlands need to know our position. But to be honest, no team in Europe likes to play against Ajax.”
Injuries and suspensions
On the side of Ajax, André Onana is still missing due to a suspension and Maarten Stekelenburg’s season is over. Sean Klaiber is recovering from a serious knee injury and will not be there either. Dortmund coach Marco Rose has more injuries in his selection. Youssoufa Moukoko, Mahmoud Dahoud, Giovanni Reyna and Raphaël Guerrero and are not there due to injuries. Rose has confirmed that Dan-Axel Zagadou, who has recovered from injury, will return to the squad.
Probable setups
Remko Pasveer may have his last home game in the Champions League this season tonight. Onana’s suspension will end on November 4, a day after Borussia Dortmund – Ajax. It is not yet clear whether Onana will return under the bar after his suspension. During the press moment on Monday, Ten Hag did not want to discuss the situation of Onana, who has not extended his expiring contract and seems to be leaving the Johan Cruijff ArenA after this season on a free transfer.
Tonight’s rear is expected to consist of Noussair Mazraoui, Jurriën Timber, Lisandro Martínez and Daley Blind. Perr Schuurs thus returns to the bench. The center defender was still in the starting line-up in Friesland against sc Heerenveen (0-2) last Saturday and received many compliments afterwards for his performance. However, he was given the opportunity as Martínez returned late from his international obligations with Argentina. Schuurs will have to hope for a raid.
The suspected Ajax line-up according to Algemeen Dagblad.
Edson Álvarez was also missing from Ajax on Saturday. Like Antony (Brazil) and Nicolás Tagliafico (Argentina), he was not back from South America in time for the game against Heerenveen. Ten Hag already revealed on Monday that the Mexican will return to the base. He will play in midfield with Ryan Gravenberch and expected Klaassen. According to the expectation of the General Newspaper Berghuis has to make way for his colleague in that position. Ten Hag did not want to reveal anything: “There are always several factors that play a role in the choices. The form, the opponent, the moment.”
The newspaper expects Berghuis to sit on the couch tonight. In the right winger position, the trainer cannot ignore Antony. The attacker is in excellent form and can call himself a Brazilian international since this month. He will need to bring Sébastien Haller into position, while captain Dusan Tadic is likely to start from the left. With David Neres, Mohammed Daramy, Mohammed Kudus and Berghuis, Ten Hag has several options up its sleeve from an offensive point of view. Compared to last Saturday’s game, Ten Hag is therefore making three changes: Schuurs, Kudus and Berghuis lose their base place in favor of Martínez, Álvarez and Antony.
Probable Ajax line-up: feather; Mazraoui, Timber, Martinez, Blind; Alvarez, Klaassen, Gravenberch; Antony, Haller, Tadic
Probable line-up Borussia Dortmund: Kobel; Meunier, Akanji, Hummels, Schulz; Bellingham, Witsel, Brandt; Giant; Haland, Malen.