Ajax Face Midtjylland Test With Key Players Missing
Ajax travel to Denmark to face FC Midtjylland in the Conference League on Thursday, with coach Míchel Sánchez needing to reshape his side because of a lengthy injury and availability list. Kick-off at the MCH Arena is scheduled for 18:45, and the match will be shown live on Ziggo Sport Select.
The fixture presents a demanding test for a team still balancing domestic ambitions with its European campaign. Ajax arrive encouraged by a 1-0 victory over AZ, but several regular options will be unavailable. Midtjylland, meanwhile, come into the game after a high-scoring 3-2 win against FC Nordsjælland and sit two points clear of FC Copenhagen at the top of the Danish Superliga.
Ajax Team News: Several Absences Complicate Selection
Wednesday’s team update named Sofyan Amrabat, Julian Brandt, Viktor Tsygankov and Anton Gaaei among the players Ajax will be without. Simon Adingra, Kasper Dolberg and Yves Bissouma are also unavailable, leaving Míchel with fewer choices across the pitch.
There is some welcome news for the visitors: Steven Berghuis and Daley Blind are fit again. However, Berghuis is not yet ready to start, so his likely role is as an option from the bench. His return could still prove valuable, particularly if Ajax need creativity or experience during the second half.
Blind’s fitness may be even more important to the starting plan. Míchel has indicated that he is seriously considering using the Dutch international as a defensive midfielder, or No 6. That role would give Ajax a composed presence in front of the back line, while also allowing Blind to help begin attacks with his passing.
Probable Ajax Line-Up Against FC Midtjylland
Marc ter Stegen is expected to start in goal. Lucas Rosa is set to occupy the right-back position, with Owen Wijndal on the left. In central defence, Aaron Bouwman and Youri Baas are likely to partner one another as Ajax attempt to contain a Midtjylland side that has recently shown its ability to score in an open contest.
The midfield is where the selection puzzle is most pronounced. Blind could anchor the unit, while captain Davy Klaassen and Jorthy Mokio are expected to complete the three-man group. Klaassen’s leadership and movement could be particularly useful in a match where Ajax may need to manage the tempo and avoid being drawn into end-to-end football.
Oscar Gloukh, often deployed on the left wing by Míchel, is expected to switch to the right. Tolu Arokodare is tipped to lead the attack, with Abdellah Ouazane on the left. The projected formation offers Ajax a blend of physical presence through Arokodare and technical quality from Gloukh, though the reshuffled front line will need to build understanding quickly.
Ajax probable line-up: Ter Stegen; Rosa, Bouwman, Baas, Wijndal; Blind, Mokio, Klaassen; Gloukh, Tolu, Ouazane.
Midtjylland Bring Confidence and Home Advantage
Midtjylland’s recent 3-2 victory over FC Nordsjælland underlined the attacking threat Ajax must prepare for. A match with five goals can point to a side capable of creating chances, but it may also reveal opportunities for opponents to exploit in transition. Ajax will need to stay compact when possession is lost and avoid leaving too much space between midfield and defence.
The Danish club’s position at the top of the Superliga adds further context. Leading FC Copenhagen by two points suggests that Midtjylland are competing with confidence and consistency at home. The MCH Arena atmosphere may increase the pressure on Ajax, especially if the hosts make an energetic start and look to turn the game into a fast-paced contest.
Match Prediction: A Tactical Test for Ajax
Any football prediction for this fixture must account for Ajax’s absences as well as the quality of their recent performance against AZ. The Dutch side have shown they can grind out a result, but Thursday’s lineup is likely to include players asked to take on unfamiliar or expanded responsibilities. Blind’s position at No 6 could be central to the outcome: if he can protect the defence and help Ajax retain possession, the visitors may be able to limit Midtjylland’s momentum.
Ajax’s best route to a positive result may be to keep the opening stages controlled, use Klaassen’s experience to connect midfield and attack, and make the most of transitions when Midtjylland push forward. The hosts’ recent scoring form makes defensive discipline essential, while Ajax’s own ability to create chances will depend on how effectively Gloukh and Ouazane support Arokodare.
Midtjylland’s home advantage and strong domestic form make them a difficult opponent, but Ajax’s 1-0 win over AZ offers a reminder that they can succeed in tight games. A cautious, closely contested encounter looks plausible, with the result likely to hinge on midfield control and the effectiveness of Ajax’s reshuffled attack. Berghuis may not be ready to start, but his presence among the substitutes gives Míchel a potentially important late option.
With European points at stake and both sides arriving after positive domestic results, Thursday’s meeting promises a revealing test of Ajax’s squad depth. The visitors must adapt without several familiar names, while Midtjylland will look to use their home setting and attacking confidence to seize control.
