Ajax will conclude their preparations for their new season with a friendly match-up against Greek giants Olympiacos on Friday afternoon.
The Dutch outfit's 2023-24 campaign will officially begin in the Europa League second qualifying round on July 25, while Olympiacos will open their new league season in the middle of August.
Match preview
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Ajax's pre-season started early due to their involvement in the qualification rounds for the 2024-25 Europa League, with the Dutch outfit already taking to the field on three occasions this summer.
That will become four on Wednesday evening, as Francesco Farioli's side are set to take on Al-Wasl in another friendly, before returning to action less than 24 hours later against Olympiacos.
Ajax lost 1-0 to PEC Zwolle in their first friendly of the summer on July 5, but they have since beaten Sint-Truiden 4-0 and Rangers 2-1, and they will be bidding to make it three wins in a row against Al-Wasl on Wednesday evening before returning to action on Thursday for this contest.
The Dutch outfit will then enter a two-legged Europa League second qualifying round contest with Vojvodina, with the first leg taking place in Amsterdam on July 25 before the return clash in Serbia on August 1.
Ajax, who finished a disappointing fifth in the Eredivisie last season, will then begin their new league campaign against Heerenveen on August 11, and there will be pressure on the Dutch giants to perform due to their difficulties last term.
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Olympiacos famously won the Europa Conference League last season, beating Fiorentina 1-0 in the final to secure their first-ever major European trophy.
Jose Luis Mendilibar's side were third in the Greek Super League, though, six points behind the champions PAOK, and they will be looking to finish at the top of the pile next term for the 48th time in Greek's top flight.
Olympiacos have not been in action since the success over Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final, but they are now preparing for eight friendlies, including four before the end of the month.
The Red and Whites will then begin their 2024-25 campaign against Volo NFC on August 16, with European football starting in September, as they have qualified for the group stage of the Europa League.
Like Ajax, Olympiacos will play matches in successive days, as their second friendly of the summer will come against Mechelen on Saturday afternoon.
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Team News
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Ajax have been quiet this summer in terms of incomings, with Bertrand Traore on a free transfer their only acquisition thus far, but Georges Mikautadze and Francisco Conceicao have departed alongside Jorge Sanchez.
The Dutch giants remain without the services of Brian Brobbey, Steven Bergwijn, Borna Sosa, Josip Sutalo and Ahmetcan Kaplan due to their involvement in this summer's European Championship.
Jordan Henderson was famously overlooked by England, though, and he should be involved against Olympiacos, while Kenneth Taylor and Jorrel Hato, who were not included in the Netherlands squad, should also feature for the Dutch outfit on Friday afternoon.
As for Olympiacos, four new faces have arrived this summer, including Costinha from Rio Ave, while Dani Garcia has also made the move to the club on a free transfer from Athletic Bilbao.
There have been a whole host of outgoings, meanwhile, with four leaving for transfer fees, while seven have departed on free transfers, so there will be a fresh look to the squad next season.
All four of the new arrivals should make their debuts in this match, including Marko Stamenic, who has joined on a season-long loan from Nottingham Forest.
Ajax possible starting lineup:
Rulli; Gaaei, Hato, Avila, Rensch; Henderson, Mannsverk, Taylor; Akpom, Forbs, Berghuis
Olympiacos possible starting lineup:
Tzolakis; Costinha, Vezo, Ndoj, Ortega; D Garcia, Pepe, Stamenic; Martins, El Kaabi, Masouras
We say: Ajax 2-1 Olympiacos
Ajax are coming to the end of their preparations for the new season, while Olympiacos are just beginning, so there should be a big difference in the fitness levels of the players. We are expecting a competitive match, but Ajax should be able to navigate their way to another pre-season win.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Matt Law
