Leeds United will travel to face Ajax at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam on Wednesday 4th August, as Marcelo Bielsa’s side continue with their preparations for the new season beginning. The hosts won Eredivisie title comfortably last term, losing only two of their 34 matches. 

Who is in charge of Ajax?  

Erik ten Hag is in charge of Ajax and has held the position since 2017. The former central defender began his coaching career in 2012 with Go Ahead Eagles, before moving to manage Bayern Munich II. From there, he returned to Holland with Utrecht and took them to the Europa League qualifiers which earned a move to take Ajax’s top job. 

A player to watch? 

An opposition player who will be known to the Leeds United defence is Sebastien Haller. The forward played at Elland Road for West Ham in December 2020 and was a handful, as his side ran out 2-1 winners on the day. He moved to Ajax in the January window and went on to finish the season by scoring 11 times in 19 matches.  

A possible reunion?  

Pascal Struijk spent two years with the famous academy set-up in Amsterdam, after joining the the Dutch giants from ADO Den Haag. The versatile midfielder or defender arrived at Leeds in 2018 and has since progressed from the Under-23s to become a regular in Marcelo Bielsa’s first team Premier League squad. 

What happened last time we met?  

22nd November, 1977.

Leeds United 2 (Jordan 36’, Clarke 44’)

Ajax 1 (Currie og 78’)

The last time the two teams met was in 1977, where Leeds United ran out 2-1 winners. Just over 11,500 watched on as Joe Jordan and Allan Clarke scored first half goals for the Whites. Ajax found a way back into the match late in the second half courtesy of an own goal, but the Whites held on for the win. 

Where do they play? 

Opened in 1996, Ajax play at the Johan Cruyff Arena. Based at the heart of the Dutch capital of Amsterdam, the ground holds an impressive 55,500 fans and features a modern twist of being able to close its roof.  

How can you watch the game?

Unfortunately, due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, no away fans will be permitted to attend the fixture. The game will be streamed via LIVENow at https://www.live-now.com/ with further details to be released on this at a later date.