After a difficult start to the campaign, Jean Fernandez’s Auxerre side have rediscovered their form, though progression in the Champions League is now an unrealistic goal. Instead, the Burgundy club will aim to regain some pride against Ajax at the Stade Abbe-Deschamps on Wednesday evening.
A strong conclusion to 2009-10 saw Auxerre sneak into third place in Ligue 1 to earn a berth in the Champions League play-off phase, in which they remarkably saw off Zenit St. Petersburg. The giant killing act wouldn’t last long as poor domestic form caught up with AJA, who lost to Milan and Real Madrid, giving a good account of themselves in the process. It was the loss against Ajax a fortnight ago that prevented them making real strides in Europe, yet after that defeat their fortunes have improved.
Three successive domestic wins have been achieved. Paris Saint-Germain’s eight-match unbeaten run was ended 3-2 by AJA at the Parc des Princes before Bastia were beaten up 4-0 in the Coupe de la Ligue. The resurgence continued at the weekend as Fernandez’s men got the better of struggling Nice 2-0 to move into 10th place in Le Championnat.
“I think the problem is both physical and mental. It's tough to cope with so many matches,” Fernandez explained to the media after the game.
The former Olympique de Marseille coach’s squad is certainly spread exceptionally thin due to injuries, while suspensions to Dennis Oliech and Jean-Pascal Mignot will only cause him more woe prior to a game they would have found tough in any case.
European Ambition
Auxerre’s Champions League dream may more-or-less be over, but the same certainly cannot be said of Ajax, who are presently battling with Milan to finish as runners-up in Group G. The Godenzonen have equipped themselves well in Europe this season but absolutely cannot afford to slip up in France if they are to maintain hope of reaching the last 16.
Four-times Champions League winners, Martin Jol’s side are no longer at those dizzy heights, but they are looking to establish themselves as a continental force once again after a number of relatively fallow years.
Ajax are no longer even top dogs in the Netherlands, having been outlasted last season by a remarkably consistent Twente side. After 12 Eredivisie games this season they again find themselves behind Twente, but PSV Eindhoven are also in the title mix, which appears set to be a three way battle.
For the time being, Ajax, who have lost only to Utrecht and Real Madrid since the season began, will be happy to have the distraction of European football, and victory against Auxerre in Amsterdam has allowed the Dutch side to focus even more intently on the Champions League. Despite being reduced to 10 men, the Godenzonen survived after taking a 2-0 lead, and they will expect another three points in midweek.
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Auxerre
There remain a plethora of attacking players out injured for AJA. Ireneusz Jelen would normally lead the line but is absent, while Anthony Le Tallec is missing too. Alexandre Licata and Yaya Sanogo are both long-term issues in attack. Steeven Langil will also return for this game, however.
Dennis Oliech was sent-off for two yellow cards in Amsterdam and serves a one-match ban, while regular centre-back Jean-Pascal Mignot didn’t even get onto the field a fortnight ago yet still contrived to be shown a red card.
It will therefore be a makeshift side deployed by the French club.
Ajax
Demy de Zeeuw missed out at the weekend but is fit again after a leg muscle problem. Additionally, Thimothee Atouba recently returned to action for the reserves after a long-term injury problem, but he’s not expected to be selected for this tie. Oleguer has overcome a broken nose, leaving Kenneth Vermeer as the only absentee.
Andre Ooijer is suspended after being dismissed in the previous meeting between these sides.
Prediction
Ajax won’t find this match an especially easy one. Auxerre are coming back into form and will feel that stealing a point isn’t beyond them given their recent form. Injuries will hit the home club exceptionally hard, and though they can get away with a second string in Ligue 1, at the elite level it’s likely they’ll be punished.
AJ Auxerre 0-2 Ajax 
