AFC Ajax face a key Europa Conference League fixture at home to Atalanta on Thursday. The Amsterdam side are searching for their first group stage points after an opening defeat to Hajduk Split.
Ajax currently sit fourth in the Eredivisie with 18 points from nine matches, a record of five wins, three draws and one loss. Their 5-2 away win at Groningen last Sunday provided a boost, but in Europe they started with a 2-1 loss to HNK Hajduk Split on 15 October. A return to that domestic form is required against the Italian visitors, with the team coming into the match on a recent run of two wins, two draws and one loss from their last five games.
Line-up and form
In the victory over Groningen, Ajax lined up in a 4-3-3 formation. ter Stegen was in goal, behind a defence of Lucas Rosa, Aaron Bouwman, Janse and Owen Wijndal. Davy Klaassen, Amrabat and Jorthy Mokio formed the midfield, with Julian Brandt, Marcos Leonardo and Gloukh leading the attack. Top scorer Brandt has netted six times in nine appearances this season and scored twice in the 5-2 win over Groningen, as did Jorthy Mokio. Aaron Bouwman and Davy Klaassen also contributed with a goal and an assist respectively in that match.
The team has scored 27 goals and conceded 12 this season, a difference of fifteen. In the title race, they trail leaders Feyenoord by five points. Besides the win in Groningen, Ajax have also recorded victories over Willem II (5-1) and Fortuna Sittard (1-5) this season, but drew with NEC Nijmegen (1-1) and Excelsior (2-2).
Atalanta travel to Amsterdam off the back of a 3-2 defeat to AC Milan. They sit eleventh in Serie A, but analyst Fabio Gennari sees underlying quality. "Atalanta verkeert momenteel in goede vorm, ondanks de elfde plek in de Serie A voor de Italiaanse club," he said.
The clubs last met in the 2020/21 Champions League. The match in Bergamo ended 2-2, while Atalanta won 0-1 in Amsterdam thanks to a late Luis Muriel goal. Ajax will need to be wary on Thursday.
