Prediction: Ajax vs Galatasaray

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: BetUS

Ajax will host Galatasaray at the Johan Cruyff Arena for a pivotal Champions League league-phase clash on Wednesday night.

Both sides are locked in a battle for qualification, with Ajax seeking their first win of the campaign and Galatasaray aiming to build on an impressive start that has put them in contention for a top-eight finish.

Ajax

Ajax’s continental campaign has been nothing short of disastrous. Johnny Heitinga’s side have lost all three matches so far, conceding 11 goals and scoring just once—the worst record in the competition. Their defeats include a 2-0 loss to Inter Milan, a 4-0 thrashing by Marseille, and a 5-1 humiliation at Chelsea. These results leave Ajax bottom of the 36-team league phase and in desperate need of a turnaround.

Domestic form offers little comfort. A 1-1 draw with Heerenveen at the weekend extended their poor run to one win in six matches across all competitions.

Defensive fragility and lack of cutting edge have been recurring issues, though Mika Godts has shown promise with three goal contributions in recent Eredivisie outings. Ajax must rediscover their attacking rhythm and tighten up defensively to stand any chance against an in-form Galatasaray.

Team News

Kenneth Taylor is suspended following his early red card against Chelsea. Injuries rule out Steven Berghuis (groin), Kasper Dolberg (abdominal strain), and Branco van den Boomen (back).

Mika Godts is expected to start in attack alongside Raúl Moro and Wout Weghorst, with Oscar Gloukh providing creativity from midfield.

Galatasaray

Galatasaray have bounced back impressively from their 5-1 opening defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt. Okan Buruk’s men stunned Liverpool 1-0 before beating Bodo/Glimt 3-1, and now aim for a third straight Champions League victory. Their resurgence has been powered by Victor Osimhen, who scored twice against Bodo and has now netted in seven consecutive European matches, amassing nine goals in that run.

Although Gala were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Trabzonspor in the Turkish Super Lig at the weekend, their defensive solidity and attacking depth make them formidable opponents.

Yunus Akgün, scorer in earlier rounds, adds creativity, while Lucas Torreira anchors midfield with energy and discipline. A win in Amsterdam would put Galatasaray firmly in the qualification mix and avenge their 2-1 defeat to Ajax in January’s Europa League clash.

Team News

Davinson Sánchez is set to return after serving a domestic suspension, bolstering the defense. Ilkay Gündogan is expected to miss out with a calf injury.

Osimhen will lead the line, supported by Akgün and Kerem Aktürkoğlu, while Torreira and Mario Lemina should start in midfield.

Head-to-Head: Ajax Hold the Edge

Ajax beat Galatasaray 2-1 in their last competitive meeting in January, and they boast an unbeaten home record against Turkish opposition in Europe—seven wins and one draw.

However, current form suggests that run is under serious threat this week.

Conclusion

Ajax’s defensive woes and lack of confidence contrast sharply with Galatasaray’s momentum and attacking firepower. Expect the visitors to control key moments and punish Ajax’s vulnerabilities.

Osimhen’s clinical finishing and Gala’s compact structure should prove decisive, though Ajax may find a consolation through Godts or Weghorst.

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: BetUS