Ajax to field revised starting XI against Excelsior on Saturday

Ajax will host Excelsior at home on Saturday at 20:00, with head coach Míchel preparing to deploy a significantly altered starting eleven compared to the side that defeated Willem II 5–1 in midweek. The match will be broadcast live on ESPN 2.

The Spanish manager opted for Maarten Paes, Lucas Rosa, Owen Wijndal, and Kasper Dolberg in that 5–1 victory. Against Excelsior, he is expected to discard that configuration entirely in favour of a prior alignment.

Marc-André ter Stegen will start in goal. Anton Gaaei replaces Lucas Rosa at right-back. Thilo Kehrer and Youri Baas retain their central defensive roles. Caio Henrique steps in for Owen Wijndal on the left flank.

In midfield, Davy Klaassen and Julian Brandt hold their positions. Sofyan Amrabat returns to the holding role, displacing Jorthy Mokio. Yves Bissouma, recently signed, remains ineligible for selection.

Tolu Arokodare resumes as the central striker following his call-up to the Nigeria national team. Steven Berghuis starts on the right wing, and Oscar Gloukh retains his place on the left.

19 Sept 2026
20:00

Probable Ajax line-up: Ter Stegen; Gaaei, Kehrer, Baas, Henrique; Amrabat, Klaassen, Brandt; Berghuis, Tolu, Gloukh.