Midtjylland can attack Ajax's rebuilt first pass with two forwards and turn a loose ball into a quick box entry. Ajax can bypass that screen through a direct target and then attack the wingback channel. Both sides have shown that a first chance can lead to a very different second phase. The ball after the opening clearance should reveal which attack can keep supplying clean contacts.
Ajax still have Tolu Arokodare as a central target, with Ouazane and Gloukh able to receive across the front line. Midtjylland's Rajović, Hong and Wätjen can join their own second ball, but the side conceded heavy access at Nordsjaelland even during its comeback. Ajax's Amrabat played the last match and is now unavailable, Brandt's injury removes a later delivery, and Berghuis is expected only for limited substitute minutes. Those changes put more weight on direct service and the available wide runners.
Ajax can reach Tolu beyond the first pressure and send Ouazane into the space left by the wingback. Midtjylland's recent home chances against St. Truiden did not become goals, while the Nordsjaelland result needed a large defensive contribution from Bakker. I’m siding with Ajax to turn its current receiving routes into the winning finish.
