Ajax vs Celtic is trending across the UK and Europe as fans anticipate a pulsating pre-season encounter at the renowned Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium in Como, Italy. This friendly, part of the high-profile Como Cup, promises much more than preparation for the season ahead. Both clubs boast impressive histories and massive followings, and the latest team news, starting XIs, and match context are driving huge interest online.
Celtic Starting XI: New Signings Shine in Rodgers’ Set-Up in Ajax vs Celtic
Brendan Rodgers has named a strong Celtic starting XI to face Ajax in the Como Cup, and supporters are excited by the mix of established talent and summer signings. Kasper Schmeichel starts in goal, with a back four of Anthony Ralston, Dane Murray, Liam Scales, and returning hero Kieran Tierney providing stability and Premier League experience. In midfield, Callum McGregor captains the side with support from Reo Hatate and new signing Benjamin Nygren, whose recent form has caught the eyes of many scouts.
The forward line is packed with pace and skill. Daizen Maeda and Yang Hyun-jun operate on the wings, while Adam Idah leads the attack, hoping to impress before the Scottish Premiership kicks off. Jota misses out due to a knee problem, but Rodgers has named a strong bench, ensuring plenty of cover and further opportunities for young prospects.
Confirmed Celtic Starting XI for Ajax vs Celtic:
Schmeichel
Ralston, Murray, Scales, Tierney
McGregor, Hatate, Nygren
Yang, Idah, Maeda
Ajax: New Era Under Heitinga Features Youth and Purpose
Ajax arrive in Como rejuvenated under Johnny Heitinga. After an underwhelming Eredivisie campaign, the Dutch giants have retooled their squad and embraced a bold, attacking style in pre-season. Ajax’s predicted line-up features goalkeeper Jaros, with Rosa, Bouwman, Baas, and Wijndal comprising a promising back line. In midfield, Berghuis, Mokio, and Fitz-Jim offer creativity and bite. The front three of Traore, experienced striker Wout Weghorst, and Godts promise goals, with Weghorst’s recent form making him a real threat to Celtic.
Likely Ajax Starting XI for Ajax vs Celtic:
Jaros
Rosa, Bouwman, Baas, Wijndal
Berghuis, Mokio, Fitz-Jim
Traore, Weghorst, Godts
Recent Form: Both Teams Enter Clash in Top Shape
Both clubs arrive at the Ajax vs Celtic semi-final high on confidence. Ajax are unbeaten in pre-season, scoring freely but struggling to lock down defensively. Their latest victories over Mechelen and PAOK have featured multiple goals and thrilling attacking play, but moments of defensive lapse too.
Celtic, meanwhile, are on a winning streak. They thrashed Newcastle United 4-0 and beat Sporting Lisbon 2-0, displaying the kind of pressing intensity and attacking sharpness expected of a Brendan Rodgers side. New signings have slotted in quickly, and the back line has kept three clean sheets in their last five games.
Head-to-Head Battles: History, Goals and Drama
Ajax vs Celtic is a classic European match-up rich in history. The sides have met 13 times, with each recording four wins. Recent competitive meetings saw Ajax edge Celtic in the UEFA Europa League, but both have scored consistently in these games. Nine of the previous 13 encounters have seen over 2.5 goals, suggesting another goal-fest could be on the cards this time.
In their last three clashes, Ajax have managed two wins and one draw, giving them a slender edge. Bookmakers slightly favour Ajax due to their pre-season momentum and home advantage, though odds remain very tight reflecting the unpredictable nature of friendlies.
Key Players to Watch in the Como Cup Semi-Final
- Wout Weghorst (Ajax): The Dutch forward’s experience with Manchester United and the national team makes him the man to mark for Celtic. He remains a focal point for Ajax in attack and can exploit defensive gaps with clever movement.
- Benjamin Nygren (Celtic): The Swedish midfielder has brought renewed energy and dynamism to the Hoops. His performance against Newcastle drew high praise, and he will look to cement a starting spot with another commanding display.
- Kieran Tierney (Celtic): Returning to his boyhood club, Tierney’s Premier League pedigree and attacking runs could decide this match, especially if he links well with Maeda down the left flank.
- Steven Berghuis (Ajax): The creative midfielder adds flair and incisiveness in midfield. His ability to link play and produce big moments is crucial for Heitinga’s side.
Injury and Team News: Setbacks and Opportunities
Celtic remain without the services of Jota, who continues to recover from a knee injury. All other key players are fit for selection, and the strong starting XI suggests Rodgers intends to build momentum for the competitive season ahead. Ajax report a clean bill of health, with only minor squad rotation as Heitinga seeks the right blend for the Eredivisie campaign.
Tactical Battles and What to Expect
The Ajax vs Celtic contest showcases two sides known for attacking football and youth development. Ajax’s 4-3-3 formation seeks quick transitions, high pressing, and width through Traore and Godts, while Celtic favour a compact pressing game and full-backs who bomb forward to support the attack. Both teams have looked shaky at the back when pressed, suggesting both will score here. The midfield contest, especially between McGregor and Berghuis, promises to be enthralling.
Fans and pundits alike expect goals, with over 2.5 goals in most predictions and both teams tipped to get on the scoresheet. Pre-season sharpness could prove decisive, and the combination of pace, tactical adjustments, and attacking intent ensures that Ajax vs Celtic is the fixture everyone is talking about this week.
How to Follow: UK Audiences Tuning In
The Ajax vs Celtic showdown has gripped UK football fans, with its themes of new signings, tactical innovations, and returning stars keeping the fixture at the top of trending UK sports topics. Kick-off is set for Thursday, July 24 at 7:30pm BST.
With Ajax vs Celtic trending and both sets of fans eager for a statement performance, this Como Cup encounter is set to capture headlines, spotlight emerging talent, and offer early clues to the season ahead.