UEL 2023-24: Ajax vs Marseille: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Ajax take on Marseille in the first game of Europa League Group B at Johan Cruyff Arena.

The UEFA Europa League begins at Johan Cruyff Arena with Ajax hosting Marseille. Ajax is seen as a strong contender to win the UEL this time, but they must take it step by step, starting with Marseille.

In their last game, Ajax lost 3-1 to Twente in the Eredivisie. Now, this calls for a major shake-up of the squad. They are 12th in the Dutch league with only 5 points in 4 games.

On the other hand, Marseille recently played a 0-0 draw against Toulouse in Ligue 1. They currently sit in the 3rd position in Ligue 1, with two wins and three draws in their first five games.

While Ajax looks out of form to be called the title challengers in the Eredivisie this season, Marseille are the ones to watch out for in Ligue 1. Now, as they get ready to lock horns in Europe, their encounter promises to be one of the exciting ones out of the Week 1 group stage round-up of Europa League encounters.

Kick-off

Thursday, 21 September at 8:00 PM GMT

Friday, 22 September at 12:30 AM IST

Location: Johan Cruyff Arena

Form

Ajax (in all competitions)- L D W L D L

Marseille (in all competitions)- W L D W D D

Players to watch

Brian Brobbey (Ajax)

At 21, Brian Brobbey's ceiling is looking high. Leading up to the game against Marseille the young Dutch international will be the one player that the opposition will look to shutting down. Brobbey has the strength, vision, and even the composed finishing acumen. So far, he has 3 goals in 6 games for Ajax in all competitions. He will surely look to score a goal or two against the French side.

Vitinha (Marseille)

Vítor Manuel Carvalho Oliveira aka Vitinha, is a Portuguese centre-forward for Marseille. He has a tumultuous task at hand to fill the void of Sarr- who had been enchanting to see at his new club. The #9 has 2 goals in 5 games in Ligue 1 and will be eyeing more against a weak Ajax defence that has been leaking goals this season.

Match facts

• Ajax has a winless streak of three games against Marseille (D1 L2).
• Ajax and Marseille last met in 2008-09, with Tyrone Mears' 110th-minute goal sending Marseille through 4-3 on aggregate.
• Marseille's Aubameyang ranks third in UEFA Europa League goals (24) since 2009, behind Falcao (30) and Aduriz (26).

Injuries and team news

Ajax is without Geronimo Rulli due to injury. But the rest of the squad is okay to play against Marseille. No new injuries have been reported in the home camp till now.

The travelling fans will have a cause for worry. Marseille won't have Ismaila Sarr due to injury. The new signing from Watford was spitting fire for them since joining. However, a hamstring injury has dampened the mood. But otherwise, their squad is looking fit for Thursday's match against Ajax.

Head-to-head

Matches: 3

Ajax: 0

Marseille: 1

Draw: 2

Predicted lineup for Ajax vs Marseille

Ajax Predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Gorter; Rensch, Sutalo, Hato, Sosa; van den Boomen, Tahirovic; Borges, Bergwijn, Mikautadze; Brobbey.

Marseille Predicted lineup (4-4-2):

Lopez; Clauss, Mbemba, Balerdi, Lodi; Mughe, Rongier, Veretout, Correa; Vitinha, Aubameyang.

Match Prediction

The home side has leaked goals in Eredivisie and that has been a letdown for Ajax fans. On the other hand, they will be up against the team who have Aubameyang up front and have been jelling well together this season. It will be a hard outing for the Dutch side considering their recent form and we predict a win for the French side.

Prediction: Ajax 1 - 3 Marseille

Telecast details

India- Sony Sports Network

UK- TNT Sports

USA- Paramount+

Nigeria – SuperSport