Turning their attention back to Europa Conference League qualifying duties on Thursday night, Ajax will welcome Shelbourne to Amsterdam.
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Verdict: Ajax to win both halves
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: 1xBet
Ajax
Starting with the hosts, eventually forced to settle for a downbeat fifth-place finish among Holland’s elite last season, Ajax have found themselves at the heart of a public crisis over recent times. Facing what has been a huge backlash from their vocal fanbase and appearing a million miles off mounting any kind of genuine Eredivisie title charge, the Dutch giants are desperately hoping for some kind of stability going forward. However, getting a new era underway in Amsterdam this summer following Michel’s arrival at the Johan Cruyff Arena, Ajax are certainly enjoying life under the former Girona boss. Extending on their Europa Conference League qualifying adventure last week as they breezed their way to an empathic 8-2 aggregate victory against Serbian outfit Vojvodina, Michel’s camp will be confident of laying down another European marker here.
Ajax Team News
Completing a free transfer from German giants Borussia Dortmund last week, Julian Brandt should make his competitive Ajax debut on Thursday night. Likewise, fellow new recruit Marcos Leonardo should play some part in the final third.
Following Michel to Amsterdam this summer, veteran Dutch star Daley Blind should keep his spot at the heart of Ajax’s defence here. Notching a sensational Europa Conference League hat-trick against Vojvodina last week, e-Salzburg starlet Oscar Gloukh will start in the middle of the park.
Shelbourne
As for the visitors, essentially sat in Premier Division limbo this season, Shelbourne appear to have placed all of their eggs in the Europa Conference League basket. Edging past Estonian outfit Kalju last week as they eventually clinched a pulsating 6-4 aggregate victory, John Russell’s men will be more than aware that they face an almighty challenge when they arrive in Amsterdam on Thursday night. Failing to pick up some much-welcomed momentum over the weekend as they were hit with a toothless 1-0 loss against Waterford, Shelbourne have gained an unwanted reputation for their glaring inconstancies. It should also be highlighted, along with losing each of their last three consecutive matchups away from Tolka Park, Thursday’s guests have also failed to win any of their previous six straight away fixtures across all competitions.
Shelbourne Team News
Still recovering from a recent muscle injury and no featuring across any competition over the past month, Shelbourne are once again expected to be without one-time West Ham youngster Mipo Odubeko on Thursday night.
Bagging a classy Europa Conference League brace against Kalju on July 23rd, 20-year-old Sean Moore should be handed a full recall here. One-time Southampton academy product Kameron Ledwidge will start at the heart of Shelbourne’s defence in Amsterdam.
Ajax vs Shelbourne Key Factors to Consider
- Thursday’s first-leg showdown in Amsterdam will be a maiden meeting between Ajax and Shelbourne.
- Ajax extended on their Europa Conference League qualifying adventure last week following a dominant 8-2 victory against Vojvodina
- Shelbourne have won just a pair of their previous nine appearances across all competitions.
- The Reds have lost each of their last three consecutive away fixtures across all formats.
- Shelbourne have also failed to win any of their last six straight matchups away from Tolka Park (three defeats, three draws).
Conclusion
Extending on their Europa Conference League adventure last week following a dominant 8-2 aggregate victory against Vojvodina, Ajax will simply be looking to lay down a similar public marker here. Clearly relishing life under Michel’s guidance, the mood around Amsterdam appears to be at a red-hot high. Finding a major clinical edge in the final third and rightfully installed as a landslide contender on Thursday night, Ajax have been handed a golden opportunity in front of their own supporters.
Verdict: Ajax to win both halves
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: 1xBet
