View from the Opposition: Ajax

Sander Zeldenrijk should know what he is talking about.

As the chief editor of monthly magazine Ajax Life, the official publication of the Ajax Fan Association, Zeldenrijk is responsible for delivering insight and information to 115,000 paid up members.

We asked Zeldenrijk for his perspective, ahead of Thursday's quarter-final first leg clash at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

The game in Amsterdam gets underway at 21:00 CEST.

What are your feelings ahead of the match on Thursday?

"In general, I expect it will be two very tight games between two big teams who can both beat each other on a good day. Both teams have their individual issues right now. But both teams can also perform well when it comes to a European night."

What are Ajax's main strengths?

"Ajax have a very complete team, with a good balance between youth and experienced players and strong players in defence - but mostly in midfield and attack. They play well in possession and are getting better in their play without the ball too.

"They even have young players with quite a lot of experience already. Sadly, they will miss the injured Daley Blind and striker Sébastien Haller [he was not registered with Uefa to play in Europe], but they have a good squad as long as everyone else stays fit."

What formation and tactics do you think will be used by ten Hag on Thursday?

"I expect Ajax will start in a 4-2-3-1-system, like always."

Which Roma player would Ajax supporters prefer not to play against on Thursday?

"I don’t know to be honest. Probably the best players! It does not really matter to be honest. AS Roma has a very big squad with a lot of good players and all of them would like to impress their coach and fans, especially if given the chance in the quarter-finals of the Europa League in a big tie likes this.

"That’s why it’s better for Ajax to focus on their own game and system they need to play in perfection to go to the semi-finals."

If someone says 'Roma', what is the first thing that comes to mind for you?

"Personally, my first visit to a Champions League final was in the beautiful city of Rome. Sadly, Ajax lost the final against a strong and powerful Juventus in 1996. The second memory I have is the quick goal scored by Andy van der Meijde after only a few seconds in the 2002-2003 season."

Which Roma player has impressed you the most over recent history?

'For me this is a very easy one. If you don’t feel any love for the great Francesco Totti, you are not enjoying football. Great player, great striker, great captain. I feel the same respect for Gabriel Batistuta too."

What is your prediction for the match?

"Following on from my first answer, I expect a very tough first leg. I really think it will be a 50-50 game, but I hope Ajax will be the better team on the day, will score one or two goals and keep a clean sheet as well!"