Ajax Prepares to Face Atalanta in Conference League Match
Manager Míchel Sánchez makes a single lineup change as Ajax looks to rebound from its opening European defeat.
Ajax is set to host Atalanta in a Conference League match on Thursday evening, with kickoff scheduled for 21:00. Manager Míchel Sánchez has officially named his starting lineup for the European fixture as the Dutch side aims to secure a victory.
In goal, Marc ter Stegen will start for the home team. Lucas Rosa takes the right-back position, while Owen Wijndal continues at left-back. The central defensive partnership will feature Youri Baas alongside Aaron Bouwman.
The midfield trio consists of Sofyan Amrabat, Jorthy Mokio, and Davy Klaassen. Klaassen previously played as a withdrawn right winger in their recent league match against FC Groningen, but he returns to a central midfield role for this European encounter.
Leading the attack for Ajax will be the forward trio of Julian Brandt, Marcos Leonardo, and Oscar Gloukh. Meanwhile, players such as Viktor Tsygankov, Abdellah Ouazane, and Tolu Arokodare will begin the match on the substitutes' bench.
Míchel made just one adjustment to the starting eleven that previously defeated Groningen 5-2 in league play, inserting Baas into the lineup in place of Dies Janse.
Both teams enter the fixture looking to establish momentum in the tournament. Last week, Ajax dropped its opening Conference League match in a 2-1 defeat away against Hajduk Split. In contrast, Atalanta started its European campaign strongly by defeating Pafos FC 3-1.
The visiting Atalanta squad features a starting lineup including goalkeeper Carnesecchi, defenders Bellanova, Kristensen, Obric, and Zappacosta, midfielders Gaetano and Éderson, and attacking players Elmas, De Ketelaere, Zalewski, and Scamacca.