Rotterdam awaits Ajax this Sunday as interim manager Óscar García prepares for his first major test in charge, a Klassieker showdown against rivals Feyenoord at De Kuip. The match carries significant weight for Ajax, offering a chance to strengthen their position in the race for a direct Champions League qualification spot. With several players returning from injury and suspension, García faces key decisions regarding his starting lineup.
The Amsterdammers currently sit five points behind second-place Feyenoord in the Eredivisie table according to beIN SPORTS, making this encounter a pivotal moment in their season. A victory would not only close the gap but also boost morale within the squad as they navigate a challenging campaign. García, appointed caretaker manager in 2026, is tasked with revitalizing a team that has struggled for consistency.
One confirmed change to the Ajax lineup will be the inclusion of Jorthy Mokio in midfield, stepping in to replace the injured Youri Regeer. Mokio, who previously scored against Feyenoord earlier this season, will partner with captain Davy Klaassen and Sean Steur in the center of the pitch. Kian Fitz-Jim, having made an appearance off the bench last week, is expected to start on the bench.
The defense appears set to remain unchanged from the previous match, with Maarten Paes in goal and Josip Sutalo and Youri Baas forming the central defensive partnership. Takehiro Tomiyasu impressed in his debut against Sparta Rotterdam and is likely to retain his place in the starting eleven. Ajax.nl reports that Devyne Rensch is still recovering from a back injury and is not expected to return until after the international break.
Upfront, García has welcomed back Wout Weghorst following a suspension, and Kasper Dolberg has recovered from recent fitness concerns. Despite a solid performance from Konadu last week, Dolberg is anticipated to lead the line at De Kuip. Mika Godts and Steven Berghuis are expected to continue on the flanks, having both demonstrated attacking threat in the previous match against Sparta.
García has emphasized the importance of playing “the Ajax way” against Feyenoord, urging his team to be brave and showcase their quality. beIN SPORTS quotes García stating, “We have to be brave, because that is the club’s philosophy… I want to win, and that can be done in different ways, but it has to be the Ajax way.” He acknowledges the challenging atmosphere at De Kuip but insists his players must rise to the occasion.
The expectation is that Ajax will adopt a more compact approach, focusing on capitalizing on counter-attacking opportunities. Whether this strategy will be enough to overcome a determined Feyenoord side remains to be seen.
Vermoedelijke opstelling Ajax: Paes; Tomiyasu, Sutalo, Baas, Rosa; Mokio, Klaassen, Steur; Berghuis, Dolberg, Godts.
As Ajax prepares for this crucial Klassieker, the focus remains on securing a positive result and solidifying their position in the Eredivisie standings. The match promises to be a captivating encounter, with both teams eager to claim bragging rights and valuable points in the pursuit of Champions League qualification. The performance of García’s side will be closely scrutinized as they aim to navigate a challenging period and restore stability to the club.
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