Ajax Seeks Redemption Against Fortuna Sittard After PSV Defeat

Ajax head to Fortuna Sittard with a point to prove in the VriendenLoterij Eredivisie, and Míchel has underlined that message with a bold team selection featuring two debutants in the starting XI.

The 3-1 defeat to PSV still hangs in the air. This time, there’s no room for hesitation.

New look, new intent

Marc ter Stegen keeps his place in goal for the clash in Sittard, anchoring a back four that has a very different feel. On the right, Anton Gaaei starts, while Thilo Kehrer is drafted in to replace Aaron Bouwman, who is still recovering from the heavy challenge by Ruben van Bommel last week.

Kehrer lines up alongside Youri Baas in central defence, with Caio Henrique taking up his usual role at left-back. It’s a back line designed to steady things quickly after the damage PSV inflicted.

Amrabat steps in, Klaassen steps aside

In midfield, Sofyan Amrabat’s role grows immediately. After coming off the bench to make his debut against PSV, he now walks straight into the starting XI.

He’s joined in the middle of the park by Jorthy Mokio and Julian Brandt, forming a trio tasked with giving Ajax more control and bite against Danny Buijs’ Fortuna side. The reshuffle means Davy Klaassen drops to the bench, at least for now, as Míchel looks for a different rhythm in the engine room.

Berghuis backed, Arokodare leads the line

Out wide, Steven Berghuis is given another chance to make the right flank his own. On the opposite side, Oliver Edvardsen starts on the left, adding direct running and energy to the attack.

Up front, Tolu Arokodare leads the line for the visitors from Amsterdam, charged with turning this tactical reset into something more tangible: goals.

Ajax have changed faces and structure. Now comes the real question: does this new look spark the response they desperately need?