Brighton will travel to the Netherlands to face Ajax in a Europa League group-stage fixture, as Roberto de Zerbi’s men look to qualify for the knockout rounds.
The Seagulls beat the Dutch side 2-0 in the reverse fixture at the Amex to claim a maiden continental win at the third attempt. It is tight in Group B at the moment, with De Zerbi’s side placed third in the standings with four points from three games.
If AEK Athens and Marseille play out a draw, first place will be Brighton’s if they can do the double over Ajax, who seem to have turned a corner after a nightmarish start to the 2023/24 season under new boss John van ‘t Schip.
Brighton Team News
Danny Welbeck is facing an extended period on the sidelines with the injury he sustained towards the end of October, and De Zerbi is not optimistic about Pervis Estupinan’s chances of returning from a thigh injury before the November international break.
The Brighton boss has some fitness concerns to factor in for Thursday’s game, including players like Solly March, Julio Enciso and Jakub Moder, although the latter is at least beginning to build up some match fitness with the Under-21s.
Predicted Brighton lineup vs Ajax (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
De Zerbi has rotated his goalkeepers since the start of the season. As Bart Verbruggen started in Brighton’s 1-1 draw with Everton in the Premier League last weekend, there’s every chance of Jason Steele finding himself between the sticks against Ajax.
Defence
The Brighton boss has not been afraid to rotate his resources to cope with the demands of Premier League and Europa League football, so we could see a couple of changes to the first XI that started against Everton.
In defence, Lewis Dunk should lead his troops again. He could be joined by Adam Webster at centre-back, with Igor Julio operating from the left-back position. With Tariq Lamptey out, Joel Veltman should continue at right-back.
Midfield
Changes are expected in midfield as well, with Carlos Baleba hoping to shine from the no.6 role against Ajax after being an unused substitute for last weekend’s league game. Pascal Gros, who started as a makeshift left-back at Everton, is expected to come back to his natural position and partner Baleba in the middle of the park.
Ansu Fati is expected to earn a recall to the first XI, and the talented Spaniard could operate in the hole behind the striker. His trickery, imagination and flair could be key to unlocking the Ajax backline.
Attack
De Zerbi may decide to rest Evan Ferguson and start Joao Pedro up front, with Kaoru Mitoma and Simon Adingra providing service to the Brazilian forward from wide areas. The trio of Pedro, Mitoma and Adingra will be looking to combine well in the final third and create all kinds of problems for the home side.
Evan Ferguson, James Milner, Billy Gilmour and Mahmoud Dahoud could get involved in some capacity in the second half of the crunch European game.
