11 SEP 2021; PEC Zwolle - Ajax; Match Day 4

[Orange14]

Ajax have an away fixture against PEC Zwolle on Saturday and then Champions League group play begins the next week with an away trip to Portugal to play Sporting. Klaassen had an exception set of matches for the Dutch NT scoring a couple of goals and deftly setting up Memphis in yesterday's match. Blind played twice but the other players on international duty either did not play or had a small number of minutes.

[SPL]

I think Martinez and Tagliafico are still in S America as Argentina has an Int on Thursday.

[Orange14]

I think Martinez and Tagliafico are still in S America as Argentina has an Int on Thursday.

That's right. Some of the Spanish League teams cancelled matches this weekend because a number of players won't make it back in time. I hope there are no issues with the two of them when they return as they will be needed against Sporting.

[Orange14]

Because of the Argentina - Bolivia WC qualifier, Tagliafico and Martinez will not get back to Amsterdam until Saturday. Obviously they won't be in the selection for the PEC Zwolle match. Blind could slot into the CB position with Rensch at LB.

[Orange14]

Klaassen came back from the Dutch NT with a sore groin and will likely miss today's match. Ajax will wear the Bob Marley kit today!!!

[Orange14]

lineup: Pasveer; Mazraoui, Timber, Blind, Rensch; Álvarez, Gravenberch; Antony, Berghuis, Tadić; Haller (Steks is not in the team sheet)

Subs: Setford, Raatsie, Schuurs, Neres, Danilo, Labyad, Taylor, Jensen, Daramy, Baas

YIKES, very thin bench

[SPL]

5 missing so indeed a thin bench.Should be able to beat PEC!

[SPL]

A well taken goal by Haller with good assist work by Berghuis and Tadic.We look comfortable but need to get that 2nd quickly as PEC can easily get one on the break .

[SPL]

Love the new Bob Marley shirt and the red yellow and green . Vastly better than the dreadful blue and black stripes of our away shirt.

[Orange14]

I had to take my daughter to the airport and only caught the second half. What I saw did not inspire confidence ahead of the match against Sporting. Too many turnovers and lackadaisical play. I hope this is a one off but I doubt it.

[SPL]

Once Haller got the 2nd there was no danger of dropping points but not a great performance against one of the weaker sides.