Ajax carry a commanding 4-2 lead from the first leg into this playoff return, and their recent home matches have been relentlessly entertaining — all three of their last games at this venue produced at least three goals and both teams found the net. Sion have drawn both of their…
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Sign inAjax begin their UEFA Europa Conference League playoff tie away to FC Sion on Thursday, 27 August 2026, in a first leg that will test the Dutch giants’ depth and new signings. After entering the competition at this stage, a positive result in Switzerland would put Michel’s side firmly in control ahead of next week’s second leg in Amsterdam.
Ajax are without several established names. Daley Blind (knock), Josip Sutalo, Rayane Bounida, Amourricho van Axel Dongen (thigh) and Ahmetcan Kaplan (knee) all miss the trip, while the summer exits of Mika Godts to Paris Saint‑Germain and Wout Weghorst mean the Amsterdam club has lost two of last season’s leading goal contributors.
Summer arrivals Julian Brandt and Tolu Arokodare will be expected to fill the void. Brandt has already scored twice in four appearances for De Godenzonen, while Nigerian striker Arokodare has one goal and one assist in his first four outings. Captain Davy Klaassen and Steven Berghuis provide experience, and Oscar Gloukh offers creative spark. Goalkeeper Marc‑André ter Stegen is set for his European debut for Ajax, while Brazilian forward Marcos Leonardo is pushing for a start.
Sion have a doubt over centre‑back Kreshnik Hajrizi, who has not featured since May. The Swiss side’s main attacking weapon is 20‑year‑old Winsley Boteli – he has scored three goals in four Conference League qualifiers so far and will lead the line alongside two‑goal forwards Rilind Nivokazi and Batata.
Boteli arrives in the tie as Sion’s marquee summer signing, reportedly costing €3.5m from Borussia Mönchengladbach. His three goals in qualifying have already demonstrated an ability to punish defences on the counter, and his pace will be the primary worry for a patched‑up Ajax backline. Nivokazi and Batata offer support as game‑deciding options should Boteli be quiet, giving Didier Tholot’s side multiple routes to goal.
The loss of Godts and Weghorst has forced a reshuffle. Brandt’s craft from attacking midfield and Arokodare’s physical presence off the bench are the most obvious answers, while Gloukh’s technical ability in tight spaces could unlock Sion’s low block. Much will depend on how quickly Leonardo adapts – the former Al‑Hilal man is still finding his feet after his summer move, but coach Michel emphasised the importance of the squad’s collective response after the club’s attacking turnover.
Michel singled out Berghuis and Klaassen as leaders who “stepped up” when needed earlier in the campaign, and their ability to control the tempo away from home will be vital. Sion’s midfield, likely anchored by Kabacalman and Baltazar, will attempt to disrupt and spring quick transitions to Boteli. Winning that central duel is likely to shape the contest.
The return leg takes place at the Johan Cruijff Arena on the following Thursday. A clean sheet and an away goal or two would leave Ajax in a commanding position to reach the Conference League group phase for the first time since the competition was introduced.
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