Sparta Rotterdam
Sparta remain without Max de Ligt, who was absent from training this week, and Shunsuke Mito, who is out through injury. Mito completed an individual training programme after the warm-up on 21 October, but neither player is expected to start against Ajax.
Further forward, Milan Zonneveld, who has scored four goals in his last five appearances, is tipped to keep his place alongside Isaac Babadi. Jens Toornstra and Cedric Hatenboer are both expected to start in midfield after featuring from the beginning against Willem II, while Julian Baas is not expected to return to the side. Robin van Cruijsen should also retain his place in Meijer's 5-4-1 shape.
Ajax
Ajax could welcome back two long-absent players for the trip to Sparta. Daley Blind and Steven Berghuis both returned to group training on 21 October and could be available again for this match, although neither is expected to start.
Dies Janse is tipped to return at left centre-back after sitting out against Atalanta in midweek, with Aaron Bouwman expected to retain his place. Lucas Rosa should continue at right-back with Anton Gaaei still sidelined, while Owen Wijndal is likely to remain at left-back because Caio Henrique is unavailable.
Further forward, Julian Brandt has scored three goals in his last five appearances and is expected to start again. Davy Klaassen has begun four of those matches and been substituted each time, while Oscar Gloukh has also started four.
