Vojvodina vs Ajax - UEFA Europa Conference League

Tactical intrigue takes centre stage on July 23, 2026 as Vojvodina and Ajax prepare to square off at the home ground, with both managers known for their strategic nuance in the UEFA Europa Conference League. The 74-year-old Hoops boss admitted that "it'll be a bit strange not having the (Celtic) fans in but I'm nervously and excitedly looking forward to it; it's a great fixture" and also spoke about the police visit.

There is little to choose between Vojvodina and Ajax on paper, and the UEFA Europa Conference League encounter should reflect that balance. The hosts will hope that the the home ground crowd can inspire a performance, whatever the numbers suggest. Ajax have found wins elusive, DWWLW in their last five underscoring a win rate of 0%. Central midfield remains a position Leeds are keen to add in despite so far failing to reach an agreement with Southampton for Shea Charles.

Tactically, the contest promises a fascinating contrast. Vojvodina will look to impose their style on home soil, while Ajax are likely to have ideas of their own about how to gain the upper hand. Rico Lewis played at right-back, but when City were in possession he tucked infield and supported the midfield pairing of Mateo Kovacic and Reijnders.

The fixture features no shortage of talent, and the league's top marksman K. Behrens — 6 goals this term — will be one to watch. Whoever wins the individual duel between the two sides' chief playmakers is likely to dictate the rhythm and, ultimately, the destination of the points. If he was to leave a year after joining, City would be aiming to add another central midfielder to their squad.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. The signals point towards a stalemate, with the two sides closely matched across form and standings. A 1-1 draw is easy to envisage. Whatever the outcome, the UEFA Europa Conference League fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. The 22-year-old was likely quite high up on the list of United's midfield targets and potentially even higher after Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga blows.