Prediction: Ajax vs Marseille

Verdict: Brian Brobbey to score anytime

Best Odds: 5/2

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Two sides who will be looking to open their Europa League adventure with an early statement on Thursday night, Ajax will welcome Marseille to Amsterdam.

Ajax

Starting with the hosts, while Ajax might have eventually punched their Europa League group stage ticket following a lively 4-2 aggregate victory against Bulgarian outfit Ludogorets last month, the Dutch giants are in the midst of a recent wobble. Putting in a nightmare performance on their return from September’s international break last weekend as they slumped to a 3-1 drumming against Twente, Maurice Steijn’s side have come under some mounting scrutiny. Mustering just a single victory from any of their opening four Eredivisie appearances, Ajax are also seeking some crucial defensive stability. Including an action-packed 2-2 stalemate away at Excelsior on August 19th, Thursday’s hosts have recorded just one clean sheet from their first six showdowns across all competitions. Tipped as a standout contender when they return to Amsterdam on Thursday night, Steijn’s squad will know the importance of laying down an early Europa League marker here.

Team News

Picking up a shoulder injury in Ajax’s opening Eredivisie contest back on August 12th, number-one goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli still remains on the sidelines. Former Aberdeen shot-stopper Jay Gorter will once again start between the sticks on Thursday night.

Bagging a consolation strike away at Twente over the weekend and already notching three goals across all competitions, attacking talisman Brian Brobbey will spearhead Steijn’s charge here. The 21-year-old will be joined in the final third by summer arrival and ex-Middlesbrough ace Chuba Akpom.

Marseille

As for the visitors, while Marseille might have gained plenty of praise as they claimed a bronze medal finish among France’s elite last season, Marcelino’s side are still trying to find top gear. Last seen over the weekend when marking their return from September’s international break with a 0-0 stalemate at home against Toulouse, Les Phoceens have now had to settle for a single point in three of their previous four Ligue 1 showdowns. Punching their Europa League group stage ticket last month after edging their way past Greek outfit Panathinaikos, Marcelino could have a headache over his side’s recent struggles on the road. Including a shock 1-0 loss away in Greece on August 9th, it should be noted that Marseille have failed to win any of their opening three showdowns away from the Stade Velodrome since opening the 2023/24 campaign.

Team News

Handed a remarkable four-month suspension by FIFA back in July, Marseille will once again be unable to call upon 24-year-old Pape Gueye on Thursday night. Likewise, missing out against Toulouse over the weekend after picking up a knock, Marcelino is sweating over the fitness of ex-Watford star Ismalia Sarr.

While former Arsenal superstar Pieree-Emerick Aubameyang might still be waiting to open his Ligue 1 account this season, the 34-year-old will spearhead Les Phoceens’ attack here. The Gabon marksman will be joined in the final third by one-time Braga starlet Vitinha.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last met in Europe League duties back in March 2009, Marseille picked up a 4-3 aggregate victory at the quarter-final stage.
• However, Les Phoceens have had to settle for a single point in three of their previous four Ligue 1 appearances.
• Including a 3-1 drumming against Twente over the weekend, Ajax have recorded just a single win from their opening four Eredivisie appearances.
• Likewise, the Dutch giants have also mustered just one clean sheet from their first six matchups across all competitions.
• Bagging a consolation strike against Twente over the weekend, Dutch international Brian Brobbey has bagged three goals across all competitions since opening the 2023/24 campaign.

Conclusion

Showing a string of issues since opening the new campaign and coming off the back of that 3-1 drumming away at Twente over the weekend, Ajax will know that they have plenty of pressure on their shoulders here. Desperate to claim a crucial boost on Thursday night, the Dutch giants will be calling on their attacking talisman to spearhead their charge here. With Brobbey bagging a consolation strike on his return from the international break a few days ago, the 21-year-old will be looking to cash in on a Marseille squad that have shown some recent issues on the road. With Thursday’s guests still waiting to collect their first victory away from the Orange Velodrome, we are backing Brobbey to extend on his early-season flurry in Amsterdam.

Verdict: Brian Brobbey to score anytime

Best Odds: 5/2

Bookmaker: Olympusbet