Ajax Make Several Changes for FC Groningen Clash After European Setback
Ajax head to the far north to face FC Groningen in a crucial Eredivisie fixture, with kick-off scheduled for 16:45. The Amsterdam side are looking to respond quickly after a painful 2-1 defeat to Hajduk Split, while also putting last week’s costly 1-1 draw with NEC behind them.
Head coach Míchel Sánchez has reshuffled his starting XI for the match, making changes across the defence and attack. With points already dropped in the league and confidence in need of a boost after the European loss, Ajax will be eager to deliver a more convincing performance. Groningen, meanwhile, have the opportunity to take advantage of any lingering uncertainty and make home advantage count.
Ter Stegen Returns as Ajax Adjust Their Defence
Marc ter Stegen is back in goal for Ajax, providing an experienced presence at the back. Lucas Rosa also returns at right-back, with Thilo Kehrer moving to the substitutes’ bench. The central defensive partnership features Dies Janse alongside Aaron Bouwman, while Owen Wijndal starts at left-back in place of Joffre Torrents.
The defensive changes offer Ajax a fresh combination, but they also make communication and organisation especially important. Groningen’s forward line includes players capable of making runs into the channels, so the visitors will need to stay compact and avoid giving away space behind their full-backs. A composed start could help Ajax settle after a difficult few days.
Amrabat and Klaassen Anchor the Midfield
Sofyan Amrabat and Davy Klaassen retain their places in midfield, with Jorthy Mokio completing the three-man unit. The balance between those roles could be central to Ajax’s game plan. Amrabat can help shield the defence and win possession, while Klaassen offers experience and an eye for forward movement. Mokio adds another option as Ajax look to connect their midfield with the attacking players.
Controlling the middle of the pitch will matter against a Groningen side likely to look for quick transitions. Ajax will want to keep the ball moving, but possession alone will not be enough: they must turn it into purposeful attacks and limit the turnovers that could expose their defence.
Brandt and Gloukh Support Leonardo in Attack
Julian Brandt has been moved to the right wing, while Oscar Gloukh gets another opportunity on the left. Marcos Leonardo leads the line for the visitors, despite facing criticism over his recent performances. The striker will be under pressure to make an impact, whether by scoring, creating space for runners or helping Ajax sustain attacks in the final third.
Brandt’s creativity and Gloukh’s ability to carry the ball could give Ajax different routes forward. If the pair can provide quality service, Leonardo may have the chance to turn a difficult spell into a productive afternoon. Ajax will also need movement from midfield, as Groningen may crowd the central areas and challenge the visitors to find openings from wide positions.
Ajax Have Options on the Bench
Several notable names begin the match among the substitutes. Tolu Arokodare, Abdellah Ouazane, Youri Baas and Yves Bissouma are all available if Sánchez needs to change the game. Their presence gives Ajax options to add attacking energy, reinforce the defence or alter the midfield balance as the match develops.
The bench could prove important if the first-choice attack struggles to find rhythm. Ajax have recently been unable to turn promising spells into enough goals, and the draw with NEC underlined how costly missed opportunities can be. A timely substitution may help the visitors raise the tempo or introduce a different threat against a tiring Groningen defence.
Groningen Look to Make Home Advantage Count
FC Groningen name Vaessen in goal, behind a defence of Schreuders, Blokzijl, Rente and Hateboer. De Jonge and Clement are selected in midfield, with Van der Werff, Van Bergen and Ondrejka operating behind striker Willumsson. The hosts will be keen to disrupt Ajax’s passing and make the most of their opportunities when possession turns over.
For Groningen, a disciplined defensive display could create the conditions for a competitive contest. Pressing at the right moments and moving the ball forward quickly may test Ajax’s newly assembled back line. Willumsson’s role as the central forward will be especially important if the hosts can deliver service into dangerous areas.
Match Prediction: Ajax Must Turn Changes into a Response
This fixture presents Ajax with a chance to respond, but it is not a straightforward assignment. The visitors have greater depth and will expect to control much of the possession, yet their recent results show why they cannot take Groningen lightly. The key questions are whether the new defensive pairing can remain organised and whether the attacking changes produce clearer chances.
Prediction: Ajax have the quality to edge the contest if they start with intensity and make better use of their opportunities. Groningen’s home support and direct approach could make the match uncomfortable, particularly if the visitors concede early. A narrow Ajax victory appears possible, but the outcome may depend on whether Leonardo and the wide attackers can provide the decisive contribution.
Confirmed Starting Line-ups
FC Groningen: Vaessen; Schreuders, Blokzijl, Rente, Hateboer; De Jonge, Clement; Van der Werff, Van Bergen, Ondrejka; Willumsson.
Ajax: Ter Stegen; Rosa, Bouwman, Janse, Wijndal; Amrabat, Klaassen, Mokio; Brandt, Leonardo, Gloukh.
Ajax’s next listed fixtures are a Conference League meeting with Atalanta on 23 October 2026 and a further Eredivisie match against Groningen on 25 October 2026. For now, the immediate priority is clear: turn a difficult week into a stronger performance and avoid allowing more valuable league points to slip away.
