Ajax vs AEK Athens Prediction: Hosts can claim spoils in Amsterdam

Ajax and AEK Athens have no hope of reaching the Europa League knockout stage this season but the prospect of securing a place in the Europa Conference League is still in the offing as they prepare to meet at the Johan Cruijff Arena on Thursday (KO, 20:00).

These sides played out a 1-1 draw in the Greek capital in early October during a period when Ajax were struggling for wins.

However, the Dutch giants have found their rhythm of late and should have enough quality to get past AEK Athens and book their place in the Europa Conference League.

Match Odds

Ajax are the 19/20 favourites to come out on top in Amsterdam, while AEK are available at 5/2 to cause an upset. The tie on the night is 11/4.

Looking to the anytime goalscorer market, Chuba Akpom is the shortest price at 8/5 to find the back of the net and 5/1 to bag the opener.

Team News

Ajax have injury concerns heading into the game, with Branco van den Boomen, Remko Pasveer (both knee) and Mika Godts (hip) ruled out of Thursday’s clash.

Jay Gorter is a doubt with an unspecified injury, while Steven Berghuis is suspended after he saw red in the last Europa League clash with Marseille.

As for AEK, Mijat Gacinovic is also suspended after his red card against Brighton, while Paolo Fernandes (Achilles) and Cican Stankovic (concussion) are both out with injuries.

Ajax to win and both teams to score (Yes) @ 23/10

After coming through a difficult spell John van ’t Schip has started to steady the ship in his interim role as head coach.

With four wins in their last five games, confidence is growing in the Ajax camp as they look to make up ground in the Eredivisie, while keeping their journey in Europe alive.

AEK have been strong in the Super League in Greece but they have largely underwhelmed when it has come to the Europa League this season.

With three straight defeats in the competition, it would be little surprise to see AEK’s European journey end with a whimper on Thursday night.

With home comforts, Ajax should win but their defence have been far from watertight.

Failing to keep a clean sheet in any of their last eight games in all competitions, Ajax might well concede on their way to victory.

Ajax - over 2.5 goals @ 5/2

With Ajax conceding goals on a regular basis, being clinical in front of goal has been key for the side in recent weeks.

Ajax have scored 15 goals in their last five games and it would be no surprise to see them score over 2.5 against an AEK defence who have conceded in all of their last 12 games in the Europa League.

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