Verdict: Ajax double chance
Best Odds: 8/15
Bookmaker: Luckster
Two camps who will be looking to pick up their own respective first-leg advantage on Thursday night, Ajax and Eintracht Frankfurt will meet in Amsterdam.
Ajax
Starting with the hosts, eventually dragging themselves past Royale Union last month as they clung to a thrilling 3-2 aggregate win, Ajax are enjoying what has been an extended flurry. Holding what is a dominant eight-point buffer at the top of the Eredivisie table, France’s Farioli’s side have their sights set on mounting a genuine Europa League charge this season. Knowing the importance of claiming an early advantage in Amsterdam, the former Nice boss has seen his squad win seven of their previous eight appearances across all competitions. Likewise, despite their second-leg hiccup against Royale Union on February 20th, Ajax have gained a reputation for their extended success on home soil. Last seen at the Johan Cruyff Arena claiming a 2-0 victory against the Go Ahead Eagles, Thursday’s hosts have won seven of their last eight showdowns in Amsterdam.
Ajax Team News
Not featuring over the past month and still dealing with a foot issue, Ajax are once again expected to be without Dutch international Wout Weghorst on Thursday night. Likewise, former AZ Alkmaar starlet Owen Wijndal remains on the sidelines with a long-term knee injury.
Finding the net in three of his previous five appearances across all competitions, Brian Brobbey should keep his spot leading Ajax’s charge in the final third. While Jordan Henderson might have eventually stayed put in Amsterdam following a real transfer saga during the January transfer window, the former Liverpool skipper could settle for a spot on the bench.
Eintracht Frankfurt
As for the visitors, while Eintracht Frankfurt might have come flying out of the traps when opening up the 2024/25 campaign, Dino Toppmoller’s squad have largely come crashing back down to earth. Last seen putting in another worrying performance as they fell to a 4-1 drumming at home against Bayer Leverkusen, the Eagles have recorded just a sole win from any of their previous seven appearances across all competitions. Signing off their Europa League group stage adventure with a 2-0 loss against Italian giants Roma, Thursday’s guests have failed to find any kind of fluidity over the past six weeks. Signing off February with a 4-0 defeat away at Bayern Munich, Frankfurt have also shown some glaring issues on the road. In fact, Toppmoller’s camp have recorded just a sole victory away from Deutsche Bank Park since a 4-0 romp against Heidenheim on December 1st.
Eintracht Frankfurt Team News
All still dealing with respective injury issues, Eintracht Frankfurt will once again be without the likes of Krisztian Lisztes, Timothy Chandler and Croatian youngster Igor Matanovic. However, after serving a domestic suspension last weekend, Brazilian defender Tuta will return to Toppmoller’s squad.
Enjoying what has become a real flurry this season and attracting plenty of European interest, ex-PSG starlet Hugo Ekitike will spearhead Frankfurt’s charge. Former Bayern Munich star Mario Gotze will partner Hugo Larsson in the middle of the park on Thursday night.
Ajax vs Eintracht Frankfurt Key Factors to Consider
- Thursday’s showdown in Amsterdam will be the first competitive meeting between Ajax and Eintracht Frankfurt.
- Ajax have won seven of their previous eight appearances at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
- Frankfurt have recorded just a single victory on their travels since way back on December 1st.
- Likewise, the Eagles have recorded just a sole win from any of their last seven appearances across all competitions.
- Ajax have recorded a clean sheet in five of their previous six appearances across all formats.
Conclusion
Appearing to cruise their way to this season’s Eredivisie title, Ajax are enjoying what has become an extended flurry. Winning seven of their previous eight showdowns at the Johan Cruyff Arena, Thursday’s hosts will be looking to cash in on a Frankfurt squad that find themselves at the heart of a real wobble. Losing their back-to-back Bundesliga appearances over the past fortnight by an aggregate score of 8-1, the Eagles have also gained a reputation for their glaring issues on the road.
Verdict: Ajax double chance
Best Odds: 8/15
Bookmaker: Luckster
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