Ajax predicted line-up as Míchel rings changes in Groningen

Ajax travels north to face FC Groningen on Sunday at 16:45 live on ESPN 2, stepping onto the pitch just three days after enduring a painful 2-1 Conference League defeat against Hajduk Split. While Ajax aims to recover from a European defeat and a recent 1-1 draw against NEC, FC Groningen enters the fixture high on confidence following an emphatic 1-5 victory over Excelsior, goal.com reported. Caught between continental disappointment and domestic rebuilding, coach Míchel Sánchez is preparing a heavy rotation of his squad.

Squad Overhaul and Defensive Reshuffling in the Far North

Facing defensive frailties exposed during their midweek European loss, the Spanish coach will introduce several alterations to the starting XI. Marc ter Stegen returns between the posts for Ajax, displacing previous configurations in goal. Lucas Rosa slots back in at right-back, a shift that pushes Thilo Kehrer inside to partner Youri Baas in central defense. Consequently, Aaron Bouwman drops to the bench. On the opposite flank, Owen Wijndal takes over the left-back duties from Joffre Torrents.

Midfield and Attacking Adjustments Under Míchel Sánchez

Further up the pitch, midfield dynamism sees Jorthy Mokio replace Sofyan Amrabat in the holding role. Davy Klaassen and Julian Brandt retain their positions in Groningen, while Yves Bissouma waits in reserve to potentially feature off the bench. In the attacking third, Viktor Tsygankov retains his spot on the right wing because Simon Adingra is not yet fully match-fit. Tolu Arokodare spearheads the forward line, and Oscar Gloukh gets the nod over Abdellah Ouazane on the left flank. These changes become necessary as injuries sideline both Kasper Dolberg and Steven Berghuis.

The predicted Ajax line-up features Ter Stegen in goal; a back line of Rosa, Kehrer, Baas, and Wijndal; a midfield trio of Mokio, Klaassen, and Brandt; and an attack led by Tsygankov, Tolu, and Gloukh.