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Brighton will host Ajax in a one-on-one Europa League Group B clash on Thursday at 19:00 GMT, as the two sides seek their first win in their group campaign this season.
Key Highlights
Brighton’s Five-Match Winless Run
The last time Brighton won a match was back in September in the 3-1 triumph over Bournemouth. They have gone five matches without a win. They have lost against Chelsea (1-0), Aston Villa (6-1), and Man City (2-1), while drawing against Marseille (2-2) and Liverpool (2-2).
They will look to bounce back to winning ways when they host Ajax on Thursday.
Ajax’s Relegation Form in the Eredivisie
After playing seven times in the Eredivisie, Ajax have collected just five points and are second from bottom of the table. They have lost their last four consecutive matches.
Ajax will look to get back to winning ways when they travel to Brighton on Thursday in the Europa League.
Injury Report
Brighton
Roberto De Zerbi has seen his injury crisis ease in recent matches as he seeks to turn his side’s form around domestically and in Europe. However, Brighton will still be without the services of Julio Enciso.
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Enciso is sidelined with a meniscus tear that has kept him out of selection since August 22nd. The striker has missed the last 10 matches for De Zerbi’s side. No return date has been set for the return of Enciso, which means he will miss the home match against Ajax.
Long-term absentee Jakub Moder will continue to miss the squads as he rehabilitates to recover from a torn cruciate ligament. The central midfielder has been out since April 2, 2022, and is expected to regain fitness by December 31, 2023.
Ajax
Ajax have a few injury issues as they struggle to regain their form domestically and in Europe, ahead of their clash against Brighton on Thursday.
Ajax are without the services of left winger Amourricho van Axel Dongen. The 19-year-old is sidelined with an unknown injury and has missed one match for Ajax so far. He is not expected to be ready for the Brighton trip.
Attacking midfielder Steven Berghuis is also expected to miss the trip to Brighton with calf problems. The 31-year-old suffered the injury on October 7th and has been out of contention in the last two Ajax outings.
Ajax will also have to make do without defensive midfielder Sivert Mannsverk. The 21-year-old is recovering from a foot injury he suffered on September 27th, which has kept him away from the matchday squad in the last four outings for Ajax.
Goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli is also unavailable for selection as he is recovering from a shoulder injury he suffered on August 13th. The 31-year-old shot-stopper has missed the last 23 Ajax outings.
Possible Lineups
Brighton
J. Steele; S. March, Igor, L. Dunk, J. Miller; P. Grob, C. Quomah Baleba; K. Mitoma, D. Welbeck, S. Adingra; J. P
Ajax
J. Gorter; B. Sosa, J. Hato, J. Sutalo, A. Gaaei; K. Taylor, B. Tahirovic, K. Hlynsson; S. Bergwijn. B. Brobbery, C. Forbs
Prediction
Playing at home, Brighton will look to retain their identity by playing on the front foot and dominating the ball.
De Zerbi’s charges will press high on the pitch and play out from the back. They will use their fast passing to set the match’s tempo and dominate the ball while creating chances.
Ajax will look to dominate the ball and play on the front foot. However, they will also look to be compact in their approach and prioritize solidity away from home.
Ajax will be pragmatic; however, they will know that it will be essential to get something from this match as they chase their first win in the group.
Brighton will have too much for Ajax; they will win and take the three points.
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