Ajax vs Sion – News and Probable Lineups

Ajax approaches the second leg of their Conference League playoff against Sion with a significant advantage, as they prepare for Thursday’s match at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

Michel’s side clinched a remarkable 4-2 comeback victory in Switzerland, positioning them strongly for a spot in the next phase of the tournament.

Match overview

When Ajax found themselves trailing 1-0 at halftime last week, few could have predicted the thrilling contest that followed.

However, De Godenzonen caught their Swiss opponents off guard with four goals in the second half — two of which came around the time a penalty was conceded.

Although Michel’s players have let in exactly two goals in their last three matches, the Amsterdam giants are currently leaning on their attacking capabilities to outscore rivals.

This tactic appears to be working, as the Dutch club comes into Thursday’s fixture unbeaten in 12 games across all competitions, having not suffered a defeat since their new manager’s initial pre-season match against Panathinaikos early last month.

Not even the recent departures of Wout Weghorst to FC Twente and Mika Godts to Paris Saint-Germain have hindered De Joden’s progress, as they aim to inflict further distress on their opponents this week.

Didier Tholot’s squad will undoubtedly face a tough task in Amsterdam, where Ajax remain undefeated this season, albeit they have yet to register a clean sheet.

This statistic may offer some encouragement to the traveling players and supporters, although the lack of clean sheets for the Swiss side underscores their vulnerabilities in defense.

Sion has not managed to keep a clean sheet in their last five matches, conceding two or more goals in three of those games.

Consequently, it will be intriguing to witness which version of Sion shows up at the Johan Cruyff Arena: a team that has not secured an away clean sheet in five matches or one that has gone six games unbeaten, winning five of them.

While these numbers highlight the Herculean challenge facing Sion against the formidable Dutch side, they also promise to deliver an entertaining spectacle against the 36-time Eredivisie champions.

Team News

Although Daley Blind is included in the squad for the second leg, his recent injury may prevent him from playing.

Axel Dongen, Rayane Bounida, and Maher Carrizo will all be unavailable due to injuries.

Tolu Arokodare netted his first competitive goal for Ajax — his third overall — and assisted once in the win last week, indicating he is vying for a spot in the starting lineup.

Winsley Boteli is Sion’s top scorer but was held scoreless for the first time in the Conference League qualifiers last time out, after scoring in four straight matches against BATE and Noah.

Franck Surdez, who opened the scoring during the 4-2 defeat, was a significant threat down the left side for Sion, and the winger seeks to make an impact in Amsterdam.

Kreshnik Hajrizi may be available for selection in the Swiss side’s squad, but he last appeared in May due to a muscle issue, likely ruling him out.

Ajax probable starting XI:

Ter Stegen; Gaaei, Bouwman, Baas, Henrique; Klaassen, Regeer, Brandt; Berghuis, Arokodare, Gloukh

Sion probable starting XI:

Racioppi; Lavanchy, Sow, Kronig, Hefty; Kabacalman, Balthazar; Chouaref, Boteli, Surdez; Nivocazi

Despite Sion’s intention to adopt an aggressive approach in pursuit of an improbable comeback, their ongoing defensive shortcomings make it an extremely challenging task to contain Ajax’s potent attack at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

With Arokodare and Brandt performing strongly in the final third, Michel’s side is expected to secure a comfortable victory on the night and affirm their place in the league phase.