Eredivisie Playoffs 2025-2026: Ajax-Groningen, likely lineups

Late this afternoon at 6:45 p.m. on the neutral Kras Stadion pitch, the Eredivisie playoff semifinal between Ajax and Groningen will be staged, an inside or outside in a dry game that puts at stake access to the final for the last slot in the next Conference League. The two teams come to this fixture after experiencing diametrically opposite seasons. Garcia’s Lancers, fifth in the standings, missed the Champions and Europa League preliminaries by very few points and are looking for redemption so as not to remain resoundingly out of Europe. On the other hand, Lukkien’s lineup comes in with no pressure after making a surprising improvement over last year, on the strength of a consistent performance both at home and away. Tonight’s ninety minutes will be decisive in determining who will take on the winner between Utrecht and Heerenveen in the last act of the play-offs.

Garcia is banking on the classic offensive trident led by center forward Weghorst, supported on the flanks by Berghuis and Godts. In midfield, Klaassen’s experience will dictate the pace along with Regeer and Mokio, while the Itakura-Baas pair will lead the defensive line in front of Paes.

Lukkien opts for a more balanced team. The midfield formed by de Jonge and Land will act as a filter in front of the four-man defense. On the three-quarter will act the trio Taha-Hernes-Schreuders with the task of triggering the lone forward van Bergen to strike on the counterattack.

Probable formations

Ajax (4-3-3): Paes; Gaaei, Itakura, Baas, Rosa; Regeer, Mokio, Klaasen; Berghuis, Weghorts, Godts. All. Garcia.

Groningen (4-2-3-1): Vaessen; Rente, Blokzijl, Janse, Peersman; de Jonge, Land; Taha, Hernes, Schreuders; van Bergen. All. Lukkien.