Ajax has been performing well in the Europa League, living up to expectations as one of the strong contenders for the title. The Dutch side is currently ranked 6th in the standings, tied on points with the 9th-place team, which will have to go through the play-offs.
Ajax remains unbeaten in their first four matches, drawing 1-1 at Slavia Prague and winning convincingly against Besiktas (4-0), Qarabag (3-0), and Maccabi Tel Aviv (5-0). However, they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Real Sociedad two weeks ago. In the Eredivisie, Ajax is in pursuit of PSV at the top of the table and has remained unbeaten in their last 12 league matches. This weekend, they will face Alkmaar.
Lazio, currently at the top of the Europa League group, is three points ahead of Ajax. The Italian side won their first four games, securing victories over Dynamo Kyiv (3-0), Nice (4-1), Twente (2-0), and Porto (2-1). Their recent match ended in a 0-0 draw against Ludogorets. Lazio is also in the hunt for Champions League qualification, sitting 5th in Serie A. After winning five consecutive games, they lost 3-1 to Parma and will play Napoli this weekend.
Ajax will be missing several key players, including attackers Brobbey, Godts, and Rijkhoff, as well as long-term absentees like defender Avila, midfielder Mannsverk, and forward van Axel Dongen.
However, Ajax still boasts reliable players such as striker Weghorst, winger Bertrand Traoré, and midfielder Klaassen. Midfielders Henderson and Taylor, who has 3 goals in the Europa League, are expected to start.
Lazio will also be without midfielders Castrovilli and Vecino, but they will have Nuno Tavares available after his absence in the last Europa League match. Lazio’s midfield is likely to feature Guendouzi and Rovella, while forwards Zaccagni, Dia, and Castellanos, along with winger Pedro, will be part of the squad.
Prediction
Both teams have a tendency for low-scoring games, with 18 of Ajax’s last 20 Europa League matches seeing three goals or fewer. Lazio has also had similar results, with 19 of their last 20 Europa League games having under three goals. Based on this trend, a 1-1 draw is the most likely outcome for their upcoming match.
