Verdict: Away win
Best odds: 2/1
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Europa League leaders Lazio remain unbeaten in this season’s competition and are set to face Ajax at Johan Cruijff ArenA on Thursday.
This first-ever meeting between the two clubs finds Lazio three points ahead of Ajax in the standings. Both teams are in contention for automatic qualification to the last 16, making this clash pivotal in their group-stage campaigns.
Ajax
Ajax face Lazio aiming to recover from a 2-0 loss to Real Sociedad last time out in the Europa League. Despite striking the post twice in San Sebastian, the Dutch side suffered their first defeat of this season’s league phase.
At home, Ajax have impressed, thrashing Besiktas 4-0 and Maccabi Tel Aviv 5-0, tallying 10 points and holding sixth place in the overall standings. However, their grip on a top-eight spot is precarious, with goal difference the only buffer against the playoff zone.
Defensively solid, Ajax share the fewest goals conceded alongside Lazio and Athletic Bilbao, with three Europa League clean sheets and six domestically. However, they’ve faltered in the Eredivisie, losing 2-0 to AZ Alkmaar and drawing 2-2 with Utrecht, leaving them third, nine points behind leaders PSV Eindhoven.
Facing an Italian opponent in poor home form – no wins in their last 12 attempts against opposition from Italy – Francesco Farioli’s team will aim to turn continental fortunes in their favor.
Team News
Ajax will look to rebound on Thursday with the return of captain Jordan Henderson, who sat out last weekend’s defeat against AZ Alkmaar due to a hamstring issue but is set to reclaim his place in midfield.
Devyne Rensch might also be available after a recent layoff, while Sivert Mannsverk is ruled out, and Owen Wijndal faces suspension. Mika Godts, who came off the bench against AZ, could start on the left wing, potentially replacing Chuba Akpom, who has been filling in out of position.
Godts and Kenneth Taylor are Ajax’s top scorers in this Europa League campaign, each netting three goals. Taylor could make history by becoming the second Ajax player to score in four consecutive UEFA Cup or Europa League home games, emulating Dennis Bergkamp’s five-game streak from 1991 to 1992.
Lazio
Lazio’s impressive start under Marco Baroni continued with a goalless draw against Ludogorets in their last Europa League outing, preserving their unbeaten record in the competition, though their perfect start came to an end. With 13 points, they remain top of the table alongside Eintracht Frankfurt and are poised for automatic progression to the last 16.
Domestically, Lazio have impressed with back-to-back victories over Napoli, including a dramatic Coppa Italia triumph and a crucial 1-0 league win at Stadio Maradona courtesy of Gustav Isaksen’s late strike. These results have pushed them to within three points of Serie A leaders Atalanta, keeping their hopes of silverware alive on multiple fronts.
However, Baroni will be keen to address Lazio’s struggles on the road, with all four of their domestic defeats coming away from home. Securing three points in Amsterdam would solidify their reputation as serious contenders both at home and in Europe.
Team News
Pedro has been Lazio’s standout performer in their Europa League campaign, leading the scoring charts with three goals. The Spanish veteran is expected to return to the starting lineup for Thursday’s clash, as Baroni rotates his squad with Monday’s Serie A fixture against Inter Milan in mind.
Tijjani Noslin, fresh off a hat-trick in the recent Coppa Italia victory over Napoli, is set to feature, while star forward Taty Castellanos might retain his spot, as he is suspended for the upcoming league match.
With a fully fit squad, Baroni has additional options, including the returning Matias Vecino from injury and Nicolo Rovella, who is available again after a suspension.
Conclusion
Lazio’s depth and ability to manage rotation effectively provide a strong foundation for their trip to the Netherlands. Their unbeaten Europa League record boosts confidence, making them favorites to secure a positive result against an inconsistent Ajax side.
The Italian club could capitalize on Ajax’s recent struggles, potentially claiming maximum points and putting the Dutch giants at serious risk of slipping out of the top eight in the standings.
Verdict: Away win
Best odds: 2/1
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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