Prediction: Ajax vs Besiktas

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 51/20

Bookmaker: Luckster

Ajax will kick off their 2024/25 Europa League campaign on Thursday with a home fixture against Turkish giants Besiktas at the Johan Cruijff Arena.

De Godenzonen are looking to add another European trophy to their storied history but head into the match on the back of a frustrating draw in the Eredivisie over the weekend. Meanwhile, Besiktas come into the game with momentum, having secured a thrilling victory in the Turkish Super Lig.

Ajax

Despite enduring their lowest Eredivisie finish since the turn of the century last season, Ajax’s fifth-place position was enough to secure a place in the Europa League qualification rounds. The Dutch giants worked hard over the summer to navigate their way through several rounds, defeating Serbian side Vojvodina, followed by Greek giants Panathinaikos and Polish team Jagiellonia Bialystok, to earn their spot in the newly revamped 36-team league phase of UEFA’s second-tier competition.

Since the September international break, Ajax have shown mixed form, collecting four points from two Eredivisie games. A 5-0 demolition of Fortuna Sittard at home was followed by a less convincing draw against Go Ahead Eagles.

Brian Brobbey, who netted 22 goals for Ajax last season, including three in the Europa League, has started slowly this campaign, managing just one goal in seven appearances. With Steven Bergwijn and Carlos Forbs departing over the summer, Ajax sought reinforcements on the flanks, bringing in former Aston Villa forward Bertrand Traore on a two-year deal after his stint with Villarreal.

Now, Ajax will hope to find their European rhythm as they begin their group stage campaign against Besiktas.

Team News

Ajax will face a significant challenge without their influential playmaker Steven Berghuis, who remains sidelined due to an injury sustained in August.

Additionally, the hosts will be missing 22-year-old midfielder Sivert Mannsverk, who is out until next month with an ankle injury. Defensive depth is also an issue for Ajax, as centre-back Gaston Avila has yet to feature this season due to a knee injury.

Besiktas

Besiktas head coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst, who famously lifted the Champions League trophy with Barcelona in 2006, is eager to bolster his managerial credentials by adding European silverware to his personal cabinet. Having come close with Rangers in 2022, where his side lost the Europa League final to Eintracht Frankfurt, Van Bronckhorst now aims to guide Besiktas on a deep continental run.

Besiktas qualified for this year’s Europa League by winning the 2023 Turkish Cup, following a sixth-place finish in the Super Lig. Their European journey started in the play-off round, where they secured a two-legged victory over Swiss side Lugano.

One of their standout summer signings, veteran striker Ciro Immobile, who left Lazio after an eight-year tenure, has added firepower to the squad, and he will be a key figure on Thursday. The 34-year-old scored four times in last season’s Champions League and will look to make an impact in Europe once again.

The Black Eagles enter this clash in fine form, enjoying an eight-game unbeaten streak in all competitions. However, facing Ajax at the Johan Cruijff Arena presents a stern challenge. Besiktas have struggled against De Godenzonen in recent history, having lost both of their Champions League group stage matches against them in the 2021/22 season.

Team News

Besiktas will face further defensive challenges ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash against Ajax, as key defender Necip Uysal is ruled out until mid-November with a ligament injury. His absence limits Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s options at the back, placing additional pressure on Besiktas’ defensive line to cope with Ajax’s potent attack.

On the other hand, Besiktas can take confidence from their recent attacking form. Wingers Joao Mario and Milot Rashica both made significant contributions in their weekend victory over Eyupspor, with each providing a goal or assist. As a result, both players are expected to keep their starting spots on the flanks, offering the Black Eagles pace and creativity in wide areas as they look to cause Ajax problems on the counter.

Conclusion

Ajax’s dominant form at home, with consecutive victories by a combined score of 8-0, has underlined their strength at the Johan Cruijff Arena. However, the visit of an unbeaten Besiktas side is set to be a more difficult challenge on Thursday.

While Ajax will pose a significant threat, especially given their recent home dominance, Besiktas’ resilience should see them extend their unbeaten run to nine matches.

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 51/20

Bookmaker: Luckster