Ajax vs Besiktas Prediction - Europa League Fixtures
Ajax will host Besiktas in a Europa League first-round clash at Johan Cruijff ArenA on 26 September 2024. Both teams are eager to kick off their European campaign on a positive note. Ajax, managed by Francesco Farioli, recently faced criticism following a 1-1 draw against Go Ahead Eagles where their defensive performance came under fire. Besiktas, led by Giovanni van Bronckhorst, hopes to maintain their great form after a recent win against Eyupspor.
Despite their form, the match will be tight, especially with the expected rain affecting play. Our prediction tips a draw, given both teams’ similar strength and form. The weather could play a crucial role, and Ajax’s home advantage might not be as impactful. Thus, a draw seems the most likely outcome.
Ajax vs Besiktas Prediction & Betting Tip
Our recommended betting tip for the upcoming clash between Ajax and Besiktas is a Draw. Given both teams’ similar levels of strength and recent form, this prediction makes the most sense. Ajax are favorites at home, but with moderate rain expected, the weather could level the playing field. Besiktas’ resilience and ability to grind out results mean they are more than capable of holding Ajax, especially with their latest draw against Trabzonspor showcasing their defensive solidity.
| Ajax vs. Besiktas Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Draw | 3.95 |
- Both teams are evenly matched, making a draw a big possibility.
- The expected rainy weather may affect the gameplay, reducing the chance of a decisive win.
- Besiktas have shown better form recently, making them tough opponents to beat.
Ajax vs Besiktas Odds
The upcoming fixture between Ajax and Besiktas promises to be a closely contested affair according to the bookmakers. Ajax, playing at home in the Johan Cruijff ArenA, are the favorites with odds of 1.90 for a win. This is likely influenced by their home advantage and better historical performance against Besiktas. However, the odds for a draw are quite appealing at 3.69, considering both teams’ recent form and the expected moderate rain, which could affect the match dynamics. On the other hand, a win for Besiktas is pegged at 3.81, reflecting their resilience and ability to grind out results, as seen in their latest matches.
| Ajax vs. Besiktas Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Ajax | 1.90 |
| Draw | 3.69 |
| Besiktas | 3.81 |
Ajax Team Analysis
Ajax has delivered solid performances in their recent matches, reflective of their strengths and shortcomings.
Recent Form: DWWWL They have maintained an average of 2.80 goals scored per game over their last five matches and have kept 2 clean sheets.
Their defensive capabilities were highlighted in the 5-0 thrashing of Fortuna Sittard and the 3-0 triumph over Jagiellonia Bialystok. However, they faced a setback in their recent 2-1 loss to NAC Breda. Their balanced attack and solid backline have been a testament to their tactical discipline, although they have shown vulnerabilities, particularly against teams with speed and pressure.
Ajax Key Players
Ajax will be relying heavily on key players like veteran goalkeeper Remko Pasveer, who recently hinted at the potential impact of bringing back former teammate Dusan Tadic. In defense, standout names include Josip Sutalo and Ahmetcan Kaplan. The midfield is bolstered by experienced faces like Jordan Henderson and the versatile Kenneth Taylor.
In attack, forwards Bertrand Traore and Wout Weghorst are expected to lead the charge. Special attention will be on Traore, who could exploit Besiktas’ defensive weaknesses.
Expected lineup for Ajax:
- Goalkeeper: Remko Pasveer
- Defenders: Devyne Rensch, Josip Sutalo, Ahmetcan Kaplan, Jorrel Hato
- Midfielders: Kian Fitz-Jim, Jordan Henderson, Kenneth Taylor
- Forwards: Bertrand Traore, Wout Weghorst, Mika Godts
Ajax Suspensions & Injuries
Ajax will face Besiktas without some key players, which could impact their squad depth and tactical flexibility. The list of injuries is relatively significant, given the number of potential returnees marked as doubtful.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Gaston Avila | Knee injury | Doubtful |
| Amourricho van Axel Dongen | Knock injury | Doubtful |
| Steven Berghuis | Unknown | Doubtful |
| Sivert Mannsverk | Ankle injury | Mid October 2024 |
Ajax Tactics and Formation
Ajax Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-3-3
- Key Forwards: Bertrand Traore, Wout Weghorst, Mika Godts
- Midfield Trio: Kian Fitz-Jim, Jordan Henderson, Kenneth Taylor
- Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
- Notable Strategy: High pressing and exploiting wide areas with overlapping full-backs
Ajax, under coach Francesco Farioli, will likely stick to their usual 4-3-3 formation, known for its attacking prowess and solid midfield control. Remko Pasveer will start between the sticks, shielded by the back four of Rensch, Sutalo, Kaplan, and Hato.
In the midfield, the experienced Jordan Henderson will provide leadership alongside Fitz-Jim and Taylor. The attacking trio of Traore, Weghorst, and Godts will look to exploit Besiktas’ defensive vulnerabilities, particularly using high pressing and wide play facilitated by overlapping full-backs.
Besiktas Team Analysis
Besiktas has been in a good run of form recently, showcasing solid performances. Their recent record of two wins and three draws indicates resilience and attacking capability.
Besiktas scored an average of 2.60 goals per game over their last 5 matches, showing their offensive strength with Ciro Immobile leading the line. However, they managed only one clean sheet, pointing to some defensive vulnerability.
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Besiktas | Eyupspor | 2-1 (Win) |
| Trabzonspor | Besiktas | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Besiktas | Sivasspor | 2-0 (Win) |
| Besiktas | Lugano | 5-1 (Win) |
| Lugano | Besiktas | 3-3 (Draw) |
Besiktas will aim to tighten up their defense to match their attacking prowess when they face Ajax.
Besiktas Key Players
Besiktas’ expected lineup indicates some key players who could make a significant impact in this match. Expected lineup for Besiktas:
- Goalkeeper: Mert Günok
- Defenders: Jonas Svensson, Felix Uduokhai, Gabriel Paulista, Arthur Masuaku
- Midfielders: Gedson Fernandes, Ali Elmusrati, Joao Mario (right wing), Milot Rashica (left wing), Rafa Silva (attacking midfielder)
- Forward: Ciro Immobile
Key players to watch include Ciro Immobile, who is known for his goal-scoring prowess, and Rafa Silva, who could be instrumental in creating opportunities from the midfield. A key individual battle to note would be Immobile against Ajax’s central defenders, Josip Sutalo and Ahmetcan Kaplan. This duel could very well shape the outcome of the match.
Besiktas Suspensions & Injuries
Besiktas are coming into this match with only one notable injury concern and no suspensions, which should be a relief for Giovanni van Bronckhorst as he prepares for this Europa League clash.
Injuries:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Necip Uysal | Ligament injury | Mid November 2024 |
There are currently no suspensions impacting Besiktas, allowing the team to field their best possible lineup. However, the absence of Necip Uysal due to a ligament injury could slightly disrupt their defensive stability. The team will need to rely on the depth in their squad to cope with this absence and ensure they remain competitive in what promises to be a tightly contested match.
Besiktas Tactics and Formation
Besiktas’ Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Ciro Immobile
- Midfield Setup: Defensive midfielders Gedson Fernandes and Ali Elmusrati, with Rafa Silva orchestrating from the attacking midfield spot.
- Defensive Line: Consisting of Jonas Svensson, Felix Uduokhai, Gabriel Paulista, and Arthur Masuaku.
Besiktas are likely to employ their tried-and-tested 4-2-3-1 formation under Giovanni van Bronckhorst. The inclusion of Ciro Immobile up front ensures a potent attacking threat. The midfield is balanced between defensive duties and creative opportunities, with Fernandes and Elmusrati providing cover for the backline, which has shown resilience with one clean sheet in their last five games.
The team’s tactical focus is expected to revolve around quick transitions from defense to attack, leveraging their pacey wingers and the clinical finishing of Immobile.
Ajax vs Besiktas Head-to-Head Statistics
In their last two meetings, Ajax has had the upper hand against Besiktas, winning both encounters comfortably.
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Besiktas | Ajax | 1-2 |
| Ajax | Besiktas | 2-0 |
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