Ajax Begin Conference League Campaign With Tough Hajduk Split Test
Ajax open their UEFA Conference League campaign with a demanding away fixture against Hajduk Split on Thursday, as Míchel Sánchez’s side look to turn a frustrating domestic result into a positive European start. The match is scheduled to kick off at 18:45, with Ziggo Sport Select set to broadcast the game live.
The Amsterdam club are expected to keep much of their familiar structure, but the predicted lineup suggests one notable change in attack. With several players unavailable, Míchel will need to balance continuity with fresh options as Ajax face a Hajduk team riding high after a major domestic victory.
Ajax Team News and Predicted Lineup
Ajax travel to Split without Kasper Dolberg, Steven Berghuis, Daley Blind, Caio Henrique, Anton Gaaei, Simon Adingra and Yves Bissouma, all of whom are absent from the squad. Their absence limits Míchel’s choices across the pitch, particularly in attack and on the flanks. The coach has included goalkeeper Aymean El Hani and midfielder Mohamed Abdalla among the travelling group, giving him additional options from the bench.
Marc ter Stegen is expected to start in goal. Lucas Rosa and Owen Wijndal are tipped to occupy the full-back positions, while Thilo Kehrer and Youri Baas are likely to partner in central defence. That back four will face a lively challenge from a Hajduk side that has shown it can create momentum in front of its home supporters.
In midfield, Sofyan Amrabat is expected to provide defensive protection and help Ajax control the tempo. Captain Davy Klaassen brings experience and energy, while Julian Brandt is likely to operate between the midfield and forward line, linking possession with the attacking players.
Viktor Tsygankov is predicted to start on the right, with Abdellah Ouazane preferred to Oscar Gloukh on the left. Tolu Arokodare, who found the net against NEC, is expected to lead the attack. His physical presence could be important against Hajduk’s defenders, particularly if Ajax look to play forward quickly or make use of crosses.
Ajax’s predicted starting XI
Ter Stegen; Rosa, Kehrer, Baas, Wijndal; Klaassen, Amrabat, Brandt; Tsygankov, Arokodare, Ouazane.
European Opportunity After Frustrating NEC Draw
Ajax arrive in Croatia seeking a response to their disappointing 1-1 draw with NEC. The result will have left the team wanting more, especially after they were unable to turn their attacking efforts into a decisive win. Thursday’s fixture offers an immediate opportunity to reset, though the challenge is complicated by the quality and confidence of their opponents.
For Míchel, the key will be improving Ajax’s efficiency in the final third. Arokodare’s recent goal provides an encouraging sign, but the forward line will need support from Brandt, Tsygankov and Ouazane to create enough clear chances. Ajax may also need patience: an away European match can become difficult if the home side scores first or succeeds in drawing the visitors into a fast, open contest.
Amrabat’s role could therefore prove central to the match. If he can win possession and keep Ajax’s passing composed, the visitors may be able to reduce Hajduk’s opportunities to attack in transition. Klaassen’s experience should also help the team manage the emotional demands of a charged European atmosphere.
Hajduk Split Bring Confidence Into the Tie
Hajduk Split will enter the match with considerable confidence after beating arch-rivals Dinamo Zagreb 2-1 last weekend. The result strengthened their position at the top of the Croatian league and gave the team a timely boost ahead of a high-profile European fixture.
That victory matters beyond the league table. Winning a derby can energise a squad and supporters alike, and Ajax should expect a passionate reception at Hajduk’s home ground. The Croatian side are likely to use that atmosphere to press aggressively and put the visitors under pressure, especially during the opening stages.
Ajax, meanwhile, will need to avoid allowing the occasion to dictate their approach. Keeping possession, choosing when to press and defending set pieces carefully could all be significant. Hajduk’s recent form makes them a serious opponent rather than a team Ajax can afford to underestimate.
Match Prediction: A Test of Control and Composure
This Conference League opener looks finely balanced. Ajax have the technical quality to threaten, but absences and the recent draw with NEC raise questions about how consistently they can perform. Hajduk’s derby win gives them momentum, while home advantage could make them especially dangerous if Ajax lose control of the midfield.
The visitors’ best route to a result may be to stay compact without the ball and move quickly into attack when space appears. Tsygankov’s direct running could stretch Hajduk’s defence, while Brandt’s creativity may help Ajax find openings between the lines. Arokodare’s ability to occupy defenders could also create room for late runs from midfield.
Prediction: Ajax have enough attacking quality to make a strong impression, but Hajduk’s form and home support point to a close contest. A draw is a plausible outcome, with both sides capable of scoring. The opening goal could be decisive: if Ajax score first, they may be able to control the tempo; if Hajduk take the lead, the visitors will face a demanding test of patience and composure.
Kick-Off and Broadcast Information
Fixture: Hajduk Split vs Ajax
Competition: UEFA Conference League
Kick-off: Thursday at 18:45
Live coverage: Ziggo Sport Select
With Ajax aiming to launch their European campaign on a positive note and Hajduk looking to build on a statement domestic win, the fixture promises a compelling football contest. The predicted lineup points to a familiar Ajax core, but the team’s ability to adapt to missing players—and handle the intensity of an away night in Split—may ultimately shape the result.
