Preview: Ajax vs Leeds United

Preview: Ajax vs Leeds United

We look at Wednesday's clash.

Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United travel to the Johan Cruyff Arena on Wednesday evening, to take on Erik ten Hag’s Ajax (7:15pm).

Ajax will prove a tough test for Leeds, after picking up two draws against strong opponents in the form of Bayern Munich (2-2) and RB Leipzig (1-1). 

This fast start to pre-season from the Eredivisie Champions seems to be great preparation in repeating and maybe even improving upon many of their triumphs from last year, which also saw them reach the quarter finals of the Europa League. 

In the dugout for de Godenzonen will be Erik ten Hag, who famously guided a memorable Champions League run to the semi-final, only to be knocked out by a late Lucas Moura goal in the 2018/19 season. 

Although the team from that season now looks very different, this Ajax side will as always prove a challenge to the Whites. 

Wednesday's friendly will be the home sides last game of their pre-season, before playing the Johan Cruijff Shield final against PSV on the 7th of August.

Leeds come into the game having played four pre-season matches so far, bringing a win, a draw and two losses. The win came at Guiseley AFC, before a mid-week draw at Blackburn Rovers, and a loss to Fleetwood town two days later. 

Last Saturday saw Bielsa’s side beaten 3-2 in a high tempo affair against Real Betis, a fixture which contained goals, mistakes and end-to-end action in Loughborough. 


Manager/head coach

Ajax: Erik ten Hag

Leeds: Marcelo Bielsa


Where do they play? 

The game is set to take place at the Johan Cruyff Arena, where Leeds will play in front of around 25,000 fans - which will make it their largest crowd in over 18 months. Based at the heart of the Dutch capital of Amsterdam, the ground opened in 1996 and holds an impressive 55,500 fans, whilst it also features a modern twist of being able to close the roof. 


What happened last time we met?  

22nd November, 1977.

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

Ajax 1 (Currie og 78’)


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/

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