Ajax-AEK Athens is a match valid for the sixth day of the group stage of the Europa League and is played on Thursday at 9 p.m.: TV, lineups, predictions.
Group B initially appeared to be one of the most balanced, being composed of clubs of a certain blazon (Ajax and Marseille) and emerging teams such as Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton and Greek champions Aek Athens.
But, with ninety minutes to go in the group stage, the hierarchies are fairly well established, and two weeks ago the first verdicts also came in. Ajax and Aek, who will face each other in the last round, can no longer continue their Europa League adventure: last and second-to-last respectively, separated by only two points, they will compete for third place and the Conference League “parachute.” Matias Almeyda’s Greeks are in front and could be satisfied with even a draw on Amsterdam night to be assured of playing in the play-offs with the second-place finishers in the conference rounds. Condemned to win, on the other hand, is Ajax: only a victory would allow the Lancers to overtake the Yellowonians and save their honor by relegating to the third continental event.
A possible feat, since the van’t Schip cure is working great: since the new coach arrived, Ajax has regained altitude and is now fifth in the Eredivisie standings.
(Rota of AEK Athens IlVeggente.it (Ansa)
Four consecutive wins for the red-and-whites in the league, taking advantage of a favorable schedule: the last defeat was to the irrepressible Psv Eindhoven last October. Van’t Schip, however, has not been able to straighten things out in the Europa League, where Ajax has barely won 2 points in 5 days. Aek Athens of games in a row, on the other hand, has won three in the Greek Super League and is now only a glue behind the leading Panathinaikos. The first leg match ended 1-1: two months ago Vida in the second half answered Bergwijn.
The prediction
This is no longer the Ajax of two months ago: under new technical guidance, the Lancers have recovered and seem capable of winning this direct clash to continue playing in Europe. We bet on the success of the red and white in a match with at least three goals in total.
Ajax-AEK Athens likely lineups
AJAX (4-3-3): Ramaj; Rensch, Sutalo, Hato, Sosa; Tahirovic, Taylor, Hlynsson; Forbs, Brobbey, Bergwijn.
AEK ATHENS (4-3-3): Stankovic; Sidibe, Vida, Mitoglou, Hajsafi; Szymanski, Mantalos, Pineda; Amrabat, Zuber, Eliasson.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-1
