Ajax Shake Things Up for Fortuna Sittard Clash

Ajax head to Fortuna Sittard looking for a reaction in the VriendenLoterij Eredivisie, and coach Míchel has underlined that intent with a bold team selection featuring two debutants in the starting XI.

The 3-1 defeat to PSV still hangs in the air, but there is no time for sulking. Changes were inevitable. Big ones have arrived.

New look at the back

Marc ter Stegen keeps his place in goal for the clash in Sittard, anchoring a reshaped back four.

On the right, Anton Gaaei starts, while Thilo Kehrer is drafted straight into the XI in central defence. He replaces Aaron Bouwman, who is still recovering from the heavy challenge by Ruben van Bommel last week. Youri Baas partners Kehrer in the middle, with Caio Henrique installed at left-back to complete a defence that looks very different from the one that started against PSV.

Two fresh faces. One clear message: solidity is non-negotiable.

Amrabat promoted, Klaassen drops out

The shake-up continues in midfield.

Sofyan Amrabat, who came off the bench to make his debut against PSV, is promoted to the starting line-up. He will be the heartbeat in the centre of the pitch from the first whistle this time.

Alongside him, Jorthy Mokio and Julian Brandt start to round off a technically strong midfield trio against Danny Buijs’ Fortuna Sittard. The consequence is a big call: Davy Klaassen moves to the bench, at least for now, as Míchel looks for a different balance and more control in the middle.

Berghuis backed, Arokodare leads the line

Out wide, Steven Berghuis is handed another chance to stamp his authority on the right flank. On the opposite side, Oliver Edvardsen comes in from the left, tasked with stretching Fortuna’s back line and feeding the central striker.

Through the middle, Tolu Arokodare leads the attack for the visitors from Amsterdam, given the responsibility of turning this tactical reshuffle into goals.

Ajax have their response on paper. Now they have to deliver it on the pitch in Sittard.