RFS vs Ajax Prediction - Europa League Fixtures

Ajax, sitting 11th with 10 points, are eyeing direct qualification for the round of 16. A win here would keep them in contention for a top 8 spot. Ajax’s coach, Francesco Farioli, has made strategic changes by opting for a more consistent lineup after a 2-0 victory over Heerenveen.

Meanwhile, RFS are languishing in 34th place with just 2 points and face a steep challenge. They have failed to secure a win in their last five matches, making Ajax the bookmaker’s favourite with odds of 1.39 for an away win.

Our match prediction: Ajax to win, with a recommendation for Ajax to win the 1st half, owing to their superior form and necessity to secure vital points.

RFS vs Ajax Prediction & Betting Tip

Ajax are favoured to take control early in this Europa League fixture against RFS. Given their superior form and the critical need to secure points, betting on Ajax to win the 1st half is a sound recommendation.

RFS vs. Ajax Prediction
Betting Tip	Odds
Ajax to win the 1st half	1.96

• Ajax have an 83% scoring rate this season, showcasing their offensive strength.
• RFS have conceded an average of 2.2 goals in their last six matches, indicating defensive vulnerabilities.
• Ajax are looking to solidify their position for the next round, heightening their focus for a better start.

RFS vs Ajax Odds

Both teams have clear odds, with Ajax being the bookmaker’s favourite to win this match against RFS. The odds reflect Ajax’s superior form and standing in the competition.

RFS vs. Ajax Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
RFS	7.24
Draw	4.98
Ajax	1.39

Given Ajax’s impressive track record and attacking capabilities, betting on Ajax to win offers a safe option for punters. Meanwhile, those seeking high returns might consider a draw or an RFS victory, but the unpredictability of such outcomes warrants caution.

RFS Team Analysis

RFS’s recent form has been troubling, with no wins in their last five games. They’ve managed just one draw, highlighting a difficult period for the Latvian side.

Home team	Away team	Result
Maccabi Tel Aviv	RFS	2-1 (Loss)
RFS	Malmoe FF	0-1 (Loss)
RFS	PAOK Thessaloniki	0-2 (Loss)
RFS	Riga FC	1-2 (Loss)
RFS	Anderlecht	1-1 (Draw)

Recent Form: LLLLD

RFS has been finding it tough in front of goal, averaging just 0.60 goals per game in their last five matches. Defensively, they’ve struggled as well, failing to keep a clean sheet in any of these encounters. With RFS conceding on average 2.2 goals per match this season, their defensive vulnerabilities are clear. Against a side like Ajax, it’s crucial for RFS to tighten up at the back if they hope to secure a positive result.

RFS Key Players

RFS’s lineup will be heavily reliant on their top scorer, Janis Ikaunieks, who has notched just 1 goal in the competition so far. Despite struggling in the scoring department, Ikaunieks remains a crucial player for them. Another pivotal figure will be their goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoa, who will need to be in top form against Ajax’s potent attack.

Expected lineup for RFS:

• Goalkeeper: Fabrice Ondoa
• Defenders: Haruna Rasid Njie, Herdi Prenga, Ziga Lipuscek
• Midfielders: Roberts Savalnieks, Adam Markhiyev, Stefan Panic, Dmitrijs Zelenkovs, Lasha Odisharia
• Attackers: Jānis Ikaunieks, Cedric Kouadio

Key battles to watch include Ikaunieks against Ajax’s central defenders and Ondoa facing multiple threats from Ajax’s experienced forwards like Brian Brobbey and Bertrand Traore.

RFS Suspensions & Injuries

RFS will be missing a couple of key players due to injuries, which could impact their performance against a formidable Ajax team. The notable absentees include:

Player	Injury	Expected return
Ismaël Diomandé	Ligament injury	Early March 2025
Martins Kigurs	Knee surgery	Late March 2025

These injuries limit RFS’s options in midfield, making it more challenging for them to control the game’s tempo. Ismaël Diomandé’s absence is particularly significant as his physical presence and ability to break up play will be missed. Additionally, the lack of depth might force coach Viktors Morozs to rely on less experienced players against a well-drilled Ajax side.

RFS Tactics and Formation

RFS Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 5-4-1
• Key Forward: Jānis Ikaunieks
• Midfield Duo: Adam Markhiyev, Stefan Panic
• Defensive Setup: Three central defenders – Haruna Rasid Njie, Herdi Prenga, and Ziga Lipuscek
• Notable Strategy: Sitting deep to absorb pressure and looking to counter-attack

RFS will likely line up in a 5-4-1 setup to manage Ajax’s attacking prowess. Jānis Ikaunieks, the top scorer with just one goal, will be counted on to capitalize on any counter-attacking chances.

Defensively, the team will aim to remain solid, although their recent form of allowing an average of 2.2 goals per game highlights potential vulnerabilities at the back. Coach Viktors Morozs will need his midfielders, particularly Panic and Markhiyev, to be disciplined and active in both breaking up play and launching counter-attacks whenever possible.

Ajax Team Analysis

Ajax have shown a great performance in their recent fixtures, winning three out of their last five matches. Recent Form: WLWDW They have averaged 1.60 goals per game in the last five matches and kept two clean sheets during this period, highlighting their balanced approach in attack and defense.

Home team	Away team	Result
SC Heerenveen	Ajax	0-2 (Win)
AZ Alkmaar	Ajax	2-0 (Loss)
Ajax	RKC Waalwijk	2-1 (Win)
VfB Stuttgart	Ajax	2-2 (Draw)
Sparta Rotterdam	Ajax	0-2 (Win)

Despite a setback against AZ Alkmaar, they have rebounded well with victories against SC Heerenveen, RKC Waalwijk, and Sparta Rotterdam, demonstrating their resilience and determination to secure points.

Ajax Key Players

Expected lineup for Ajax:

• Goalkeeper: Remko Pasveer
• Defenders: Anton Gaaei, Josip Sutalo, Youri Baas, Daniele Rugani
• Midfielders: Steven Berghuis, Jordan Henderson, Kenneth Taylor
• Attackers: Bertrand Traore, Brian Brobbey, Mika Godts

Ajax’s key players for this match include their top scorer Mika Godts, who has netted 3 goals in this tournament. His striking ability will be crucial against RFS’s defenders.

Midfielder Jordan Henderson will be relied upon to control the tempo in the middle of the park, while defender Josip Sutalo will aim to keep RFS’s forwards, particularly Janis Ikaunieks, at bay.

This game will be a test of strength, especially with Jorrel Hato suspended, allowing Baas to step in. Look out for the tactical battle between Henderson and RFS’s Stefan Panic.

Ajax Suspensions & Injuries

Player	Injury	Expected return
Amourricho van Axel Dongen	Knock	Doubtful
Owen Wijndal	Knock	About a week
Benjamin Tahirovic	Concussion	Doubtful
Davy Klaassen	Knock	Late January 2025
Jorrel Hato	Yellow cards	Banned matches left 1

Ajax Tactics and Formation

Ajax’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
  Ajax are set to line up in a 4-3-3 formation, favoring an attacking strategy.

Key Forward: Brian Brobbey
Brian Brobbey will spearhead the attack, supported by Bertrand Traore and Mika Godts on the flanks. Godts also leads the scoring chart with 3 goals.

Midfield Trio: Kenneth Taylor, Jordan Henderson, Steven Berghuis
This experienced trio will look to dominate possession and create opportunities. Henderson’s leadership and Berghuis’ attacking prowess are crucial.

Defensive Strength:
With Josip Sutalo and Youri Baas in central defence, Ajax aims to maintain solidity despite Hato’s suspension. Remko Pasveer’s reliability in goal adds to this strength.

Notable Strategy:
Ajax, scoring in 83% of matches this season, will likely seek an early lead to unsettle RFS, leveraging their superior firepower and organizational edge.