Qarabag FK vs Ajax Prediction - Europa League
Currently, Qarabag sit in 34th position without a single point, whereas Ajax are positioned comfortably at 6th, having already shown their attacking prowess this season. Edu Juninho is Qarabag’s leading scorer with only one goal, which is in stark contrast to Ajax’s in-form Mika Godts, who has netted twice in two Europa League matches.
Ajax coach Francesco Farioli is dealing with injury woes and squad rotation. Key players like Steven Berghuis and Davy Klaassen are absent, but the return of Jordan Henderson, Bertrand Traoré, and Wout Weghorst should bolster the Dutch side. Farioli is expected to prefer Brian Brobbey upfront, despite Wout Weghorst’s recent impactful performances off the bench.
Qarabag’s coach Qurban Qurbanov will be looking for a miracle to turn their poor European form around, particularly after their recent mixed domestic results.
Given Ajax’s superior form and recent performances in both domestic and European competitions, the recommended bet is for Ajax to win, with odds at 2.3. Ajax’s revitalized squad and attacking strength make them clear favourites for this tie.
Qarabag FK vs Ajax Prediction & Betting Tip
The recommended betting tip for this match is an Ajax win. Qarabag FK has struggled this season, especially in European competitions, highlighted by their lack of points and winless streak in the Europa League. On the other hand, Ajax has shown remarkable improvement, with a solid defense and an attacking flair that has seen them accumulate 4 points from their first two Europa League games.
| Qarabag FK vs. Ajax Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Ajax to win | 2.3 |
- Ajax has returned to form after a poor season, performing well in the Eredivisie.
- Ajax has a superior offensive ability, averaging 2.80 goals per game in their last 5 matches.
- Qarabag FK has not won in their last five Europa League matches, reflecting their struggles in this competition.
With broken clouds in the forecast and favorable odds of 2.3, betting on Ajax to win seems a reasonable choice for punters, particularly given the current form and contrasting performances of both teams.
Qarabag FK vs Ajax Odds
Here’s how the odds stack up for the upcoming clash between Qarabag FK and Ajax.
| Qarabag FK vs. Ajax Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Qarabag FK | 3.03 |
| Draw | 3.63 |
| Ajax | 2.20 |
Qarabag FK Team Analysis
In their last five matches, Qarabag FK has displayed a range of performances, with two wins and three losses, and no draws.
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| FC Kapaz | Qarabag FK | 0-5 (Win) |
| Sumqayit | Qarabag FK | 0-1 (Win) |
| Qarabag FK | Malmoe FF | 1-2 (Loss) |
| Qarabag FK | Sabah FK | 3-2 (Win) |
| Tottenham Hotspur | Qarabag FK | 3-0 (Loss) |
Qarabag FK Key Players
Qarabag FK will rely heavily on their top scorer, Juninho, who has netted 1 goal this season. His role as the main striker will be crucial against a solid Ajax defense, with battles against Ajax’s Josip Sutalo and Daniele Rugani expected to be key. Another key player for Qarabag FK is Yassine Benzia. As the attacking midfielder, Benzia is tasked with both creating opportunities and applying pressure on the Ajax backline. His performance could be a determining factor in breaking down Ajax’s defensive setup. Expected lineup for Qarabag FK:
- Goalkeeper: Fabijan Buntic
- Defenders: Abbas Hüseynov, Bahlul Mustafazada, Kevin Medina, Elvin Cafarquliyev
- Midfielders: Júlio Rodrigues Romão, Patrick Andrade, Yassine Benzia, Leandro Andrade, Abdellah Zoubir
- Forward: Juninho
Qarabag FK Suspensions & Injuries
Qarabag FK has a few key players sidelined due to injuries, which could significantly impact their performance against Ajax.
Injuries
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Shakhruddin Makhammadaliev | Unknown | Unknown |
| Amin Ramazanov | Cruciate ligament injury | Mid-March 2025 |
| Marko Vesovic | Unknown | Unknown |
Qarabag FK will miss the services of goalkeeper Shakhruddin Makhammadaliev and defender Marko Vesovic, both out with unknown injuries. Midfielder Amin Ramazanov is also unavailable due to a cruciate ligament injury, with an expected return by mid-March 2025.
The absence of these key players will require Coach Qurban Qurbanov to make tactical adjustments, especially considering their winless streak in this competition. Their defensive setup may be vulnerable given the unavailability of first-choice options.
Qarabag FK Tactics and Formation
Qarabag FK Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Juninho (Top scorer with 1 goal)
- Midfield Trio: Júlio Rodrigues Romão, Patrick Andrade, Yassine Benzia
- Defensive Line: Abbas Hüseynov, Bahlul Mustafazada, Kevin Medina, Elvin Cafarquliyev
- Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games, indicating a relatively solid backline.
Despite their current struggles, manager Qurban Qurbanov is likely to stick with a 4-2-3-1 setup, aiming to stabilize the midfield and provide support to their leading scorer, Juninho. Key to their strategy: maintaining defensive solidity, hoping to exploit Ajax on the counter-attack.
Ajax Team Analysis
Ajax Last 5 Results
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Heracles | Ajax | 3-4 (Win) |
| Ajax | FC Groningen | 3-1 (Win) |
| Slavia Prague | Ajax | 1-1 (Draw) |
| RKC Waalwijk | Ajax | 0-2 (Win) |
| Ajax | Besiktas | 4-0 (Win) |
Francesco Farioli’s team is hitting their stride, boasting prolific scoring and a robust defence that will pose significant challenges for any opponent.
Ajax Key Players
Expected lineup for Ajax:
- Goalkeeper: Remko Pasveer
- Defenders: Devyne Rensch, Josip Sutalo, Daniele Rugani, Jorrel Hato
- Midfielders: Kian Fitz-Jim, Jordan Henderson, Kenneth Taylor
- Attackers: Bertrand Traore, Brian Brobbey, Mika Godts
Two standout players for Ajax in their current squad are Mika Godts and Brian Brobbey. Godts, leading with 2 goals in this tournament already, poses a significant threat up front. Brobbey also brings goalscoring prowess, evident from Ajax’s last five fixtures where they netted an average of 2.8 goals per game.
In midfield, the experience of Jordan Henderson will be vital in dictating the tempo and maintaining defensive solidity. Josip Sutalo and Daniele Rugani will be key in defense, looking to shut down Qarabag FK’s top scorer, Juninho.
Ajax Suspensions & Injuries
Ajax faces some challenges with a mix of injuries and suspensions that could impact their performance against Qarabag FK.
Injuries: The list below highlights several key players who are expected to return later in the season:
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Gaston Avila | Knee injury | Doubtful |
| Amourricho van Axel Dongen | Knock injury | Doubtful |
| Steven Berghuis | Knee injury | Back in training |
| Sivert Mannsverk | Ankle injury | Doubtful |
| Julian Rijkhoff | Knee injury | Early November 2024 |
| Kristian Hlynsson | Ankle injury | Early November 2024 |
Suspensions: Ajax will also miss one player due to suspension:
| Player | Suspension | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Youri Baas | Suspended (after 2nd yellow) | Next match |
The absence of Youri Baas, combined with injuries in key positions, means Ajax will need their bench to step up. This situation may test their squad depth, but experienced players like Jordan Henderson will be crucial in managing the team’s balance on the field.
Ajax Tactics and Formation
Ajax Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-3-3
- Key Forward: Mika Godts
- Midfield Trio: Kian Fitz-Jim, Jordan Henderson, Kenneth Taylor
- Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
- Notable Strategy: Agile wing play and high pressing
Ajax coach Francesco Farioli frequently employs a 4-3-3 formation designed to maximize their attacking threat. With Remko Pasveer in goal, the defense is anchored by Josip Sutalo and Daniele Rugani, ensuring a solid backline.
In midfield, Jordan Henderson’s experience is pivotal, supported by the technical skills of Kenneth Taylor and Kian Fitz-Jim. This trio balances attack and defense effectively.
Mika Godts, Ajax’s top scorer in the Europa League, leads the forward line, flanked by Bertrand Traore and Brian Brobbey. Ajax often exploits width with their wingers, creating numerous scoring opportunities under their dynamic and high-pressing approach.
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