Prediction: Ludogorets vs Ajax

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Looking to pick up a crucial first-leg advantage on Thursday night, Ajax will travel to the Huvepharma Arena when they meet Ludogorets.

Ludogorets

Starting with the hosts, extending on their Europa League qualifying adventure earlier in the month as they secured an action-packed 6-3 aggregate victory against Astana, Ludogorets will be desperate to spring a major upset in midweek. However, despite mounting a stellar second-leg comeback at the Huvepharma Arena on August 17th, the Bulgarian heavyweights will be more than aware that they face a stern challenge over the next week. Failing to pick up any kind of momentum over the weekend while on domestic duties as they slumped to a toothless 1-0 loss at the hands of Cherno More, Ivaylo Petev’s men are seeking some recent stability since opening up the 2023/24 campaign. Already shockingly losing a pair of their opening five Parva Liga showdowns, Ludogorets have also shown some extended defensive struggles. Crashing out of the Champions League qualifiers following an infamous 3-2 aggregate defeat against Ljubljana last month, Petev’s men should be bracing themselves for a stern examination on Thursday night.

Team News

While Igor Plastun might have been shown a straight red card away at Cherno More over the weekend, the 33-year-old is still available to feature here.

Bagging a second-leg brace against Astana earlier in the month, one-time Dusseldorf attacker Bernard Tekpetey will have a key role to play on Thursday night. Ex-Luton shot-stopper Simon Sluga should keep his spot between the sticks.

Ajax

As for the visitors, coming under real scrutiny last season as they eventually had to settle for a bronze medal finish among Holland’s elite, Ajax are somewhat in the midst of a transition this summer. Missing out on the chance to retain their domestic crown, the Amsterdam-based heavyweights have also shown their own inconsistencies on either side of the summer interval. Eventually having to come from behind away at Excelsior over the weekend as they snatched a 2-2 stalemate, Maurice Steijn is desperate for his squad to find some much-needed stability at the back. Signing off their pre-season preparations with a 3-1 drumming at the hands of German giants Borussia Dortmund in their final friendly showdown, Thursday’s guests will know the importance of claiming a crucial first-leg advantage here. Winning just a trio of their last eight competitive appearances across all formats continuing on from last season, Ajax will certainly have plenty of pressure on their shoulders when they travel out to Bulgaria in midweek.

Team News

Once again finding the net away at Excelsior over the weekend after notching three pre-season strikes, 21-year-old Brian Brobbey will spearhead Ajax’s charge on Thursday night.

Despite still being linked with a Premier League switch this summer, Mohammed Kudus will feature here. However, the Dutch giants will travel to Bulgaria without the likes of Ahmetcan Kaplan and Geronimo Rulli in midweek.

Key Factors to Consider

• Continuing on from last season, Ajax have won just a trio of their last eight competitive appearances across all formats.
• Ludogorets have recorded just a pair of clean sheets from their last seven appearances across all competitions.
• Including their pre-season run, Ajax have seen five of their last six away fixtures finish with both teams finding the net.
• Thursday’s hosts have not suffered a single home defeat within 90 minutes since way back on March 5th.
• Along with notching three pre-season strikes, 21-year-old Brian Brobbey has bagged four goals in his previous five appearances.

Conclusion

While Ajax might open Thursday’s second-leg tipped as a standout contender, neutrals could be treated to a lively affair in Bulgaria. Two sides who have shown some extended defensive issues on either side of the summer break, chances could come thick and fast in midweek. It should be highlighted, along with Ludogorets mustering just a pair of clean sheets from their last seven appearances across all formats, the Dutch giants have also gained a reputation for their action-packed affairs. Playing out a 2-2 draw away at Excelsior a few days ago, we are backing both teams to find the net here.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: Olympusbet