Ajax vs Marseille predictions for Thursday’s Europa League affair. Ajax and Marseille are set to commence their Europa League group stages on Thursday, as they clash in the inaugural fixtures at the Johan Cruyff ArenA. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Match Live Thursday, 21st September at 8:00 pm In:
Ajax vs Marseille Predictions
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Europa’s Battle of Giants: Ajax and Marseille Lock Horns
Key Stats
– Both teams have faced off-field challenges, with managerial changes at the helm.
– Ajax hold a clear dominance in ball possession at 64.3%, compared to Marseille’s 53.2%.
The iconic Johan Cruyff ArenA is set to be the backdrop for an enthralling Europa League contest as Ajax welcomes Marseille for the first game of their group campaign. Both teams, carrying their respective narratives from recent games, are poised to begin their European journey with a statement.
The Road to the ArenA
Ajax’s entrance into this year’s Europa League was rather unceremonious. A team accustomed to regular domestic dominance, they failed to clinch their fourth successive Eredivisie title last season. Instead, they finished third, a good 13 points behind the champions, Feyenoord. Their woes weren’t limited to the Eredivisie; a similar third-place finish in the Champions League led them into the Europa League knockout playoff. Despite their best efforts, a resilient Union Berlin side ended their continental dreams with a 3-1 win. Yet, their 4-1 victory over Ludogorets Razgrad in the playoff qualifiers showcased their determination, with Mohammed Kudus stealing the spotlight with a hat-trick.
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On the other hand, Marseille, after an impressive third-place finish in Ligue 1, missed out on Champions League action, thanks to a heartbreaking penalty shootout against Panathinaikos. Despite leading 2-0 until injury time in the second leg, a last-minute drama saw them being ushered into the Europa League.
Current Form and Challenges
The transition to the new season hasn’t been smooth for the Dutch giants. With only five points from four matches, Maurice Steijn, the newly appointed head at the Johan Cruyff ArenA, faces a challenge. Their recent 3-1 loss to FC Twente adds salt to the wound.
Marseille, under Marcelino, presents a contrasting picture. They’ve managed to remain unbeaten in Ligue 1, even if they’ve won just two of their five games. Off-field issues, including Marcelino’s impending departure, present a cloud of uncertainty. But the team’s focus remains unwavering, and a win against Ajax could set the tone for their European aspirations.
Team Analysis
Ajax’s recent form sees them playing a 4-2-3-1 formation. Brian Brobbey has been their man in form, having scored three goals this season. With Mohammed Kudus’s recent move to West Ham, the attacking trio of Steven Bergwijn, Steven Berghuis, and Chuba Akpom is expected to lead the charge.
Marseille, on the other hand, is likely to continue with their 4-4-2 setup. Ismaïla Sarr’s injury might be a blow, but the likes of Joaquin Correa and Francois Mughe on the flanks, and the attacking prowess of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, ensures they have enough firepower.
Stats Talk: Ajax vs Marseille
Ajax, with an average BettingTips4You Expert Rating of 7.02, currently ranks 5th out of 18 teams in Eredivisie. They’ve managed to score an average of 1.8 goals per game, while their defence has been a tad shaky, letting in 1.5 goals on average. Ball possession stands at an impressive 64.3%.
Marseille, boasting an average BettingTips4You Expert Rating of 7.16, sits 2nd in Ligue 1. Their goal-per-game ratio is slightly lower at 1.4, but their defensive record is slightly better, with only 4 goals conceded in 5 games.
Predictions
- Match Outcome – Draw: Given Ajax’s recent dip in form and Marseille’s unbeaten run, both teams seem evenly matched. A draw seems the most likely outcome.
- Correct Score – 1-1: Considering both teams’ average goals scored and conceded, a 1-1 scoreline is plausible.
- Goalscorer – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: With a proven track record in European competitions and being Marseille’s primary attacker, Aubameyang is a likely candidate to find the net.
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