Bart Verbruggen will have to settle for a place on the bench against Ajax on Thursday evening, various English media expect. It seems that manager Roberto De Zerbi will once again opt for the experienced Jason Steele under the bar at Brighton & Hove Albion in the Europa League. Joël Veltman and Jan Paul van Hecke are expected in the starting line-up the Seagulls.
De Zerbi does not have a fully fit selection against Ajax. Solly March, Julio Enciso, Jakub Moder and Danny Welbeck are not available for the number seven of the Premier League. Fullback Pervis Estupinán is fit enough to be in the match selection, although it remains to be seen whether he can start.
While Verbruggen was on target last weekend during the away match at Everton (1-1), Steele can prepare for a starting place again against Ajax. Verbruggen has made six appearances for Brighton so far this season, making nine appearances. Steele was under the crossbar nine times and conceded seventeen goals.
Veltman seems to be preparing for the next reunion with his childhood sweetheart in the Johan Cruijff ArenA. The right-footed defender was associated with Ajax between 2001 and 2020 and played no fewer than 246 official matches in the main squad. On Thursday evening he has to stop Ajax captain Steven Bergwijn from scoring.
Van Hecke will start next to Veltman in Brighton’s defense. The youth international already announced during the press conference that he was looking forward to the match in Amsterdam. “It is always special to play against Ajax. In your own country, people you know, against players you know. The Dutch do watch the Premier League, but perhaps less focused on a player. If you show it against Ajax, in the Netherlands, it is more noticeable.â€
The Zerbi
De Zerbi said during the press conference that he expects a different Ajax than two weeks ago in Brighton (2-0). “Because they have changed coaches. I saw Sunday’s game. They looked different there and played a good game. They scored four goals and showed a different face.â€
“Ajax has now won two games in a row in the Eredivisie,” De Zerbi continued his story. “I expect a different team in terms of enthusiasm and courage. In terms of playing style, it is clear what they want to do on the field. They have good players.†The match between Ajax and Brighton starts on Thursday at 6:45 PM and can be seen live on Veronica and ESPN2.
Expected line-up at Brighton & Hove Albion: Steele; Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk, Milner; Gross, Dahoud; Joao Pedro, Fati; Mitoma; Ferguson.