Brighton & Hove Albion of the Premier League face Ajax of the Eredivisie in the Europa League on Thursday night. Roberto De Zerbi’s Seagulls find themselves in the midst of a five-match winless run in all competitions. They’ll be determined to put things right against an Ajax side that have made their worst start to a season since the Eredivisie was founded in 1956.
Interim manager Hedwiges Maduro will oversee the Ajax squad for this Group B clash, in his first fixture since the sacking of Maurice Steijn was announced on Monday. The Amsterdam club are currently 17th in the Eredivisie table and will be desperate to shine some light on what’s been a horrendous start to the campaign. Having not won a match since August, the trip to the Amex looks like a tricky one for the four-time European champions.
A 3-3 draw with Marseille was the outcome of Ajax’s first Europa League fixture, followed by a 1-1 draw with AEK Athens in matchday two. A win could move them from third, to top spot in their group. The Seagulls sit bottom of Group B, but three points on Thursday night could also propel them to the top of the table. Expect goals in this clash. Ajax have conceded nine first-half goals in their last six competitive matches, so Brighton will be looking to get off to a fast start.
Danny Welbeck and Solly March were forced off with injuries during Brighton’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester City last weekend. De Zerbi has already confirmed that the pair will miss Thursday’s clash. Luckily for Brighton, there are still plenty of quality players to choose from. Ajax may have problem’s dealing with João Pedro. The Brazilian striker has scored three of Brighton’s four Europa League goals, all from the penalty spot. Steven Bergwijn is the main attacking threat in the Ajax team. The former Tottenham winger will be determined to make a mark on his return to England. Ajax need a positive result to settle the scenes in Amsterdam. Having lost their last match 4-3 to FC Utrecht, it’s desperate times for the fallen giants.
