In a blockbuster Europa League last-16 clash, Ajax will take on Eintracht Frankfurt at the Johan Cruyff Arena on Thursday.
The Eagles finished fifth in the league phase to qualify for the last-16, while the Dutch giants made it thus far after a tricky tie against Union Saint-Gilloise.
Match Preview
Ajax won four and lost three of their eight games in the league phase to finish in 12th place.
Francesco Farioli’s side were in complete control of the knockout round playoff tie after beating Union Saint-Gilloise 2-0 in the away leg.
However, a horrible start in Amsterdam saw their lead wiped out in the first half-hour and they looked in serious danger of elimination.
But despite being reduced to ten men, Ajax netted the decisive goal through Kennth Taylor to progress to the next round of the competition.
They are now set for another tricky clash with Frankfurt who are hoping to lift another Europa League trophy since they beat Rangers on penalties in the 2022 final in Spain.
The Bundesliga outfit were impressive in the league phase as they registered five wins from eight matches to finish in fifth place.
However, their league form hasn’t been promising as they will enter the Europa League clash on the back of two heavy defeats against Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen.
Team News
Ajax will not be able to avail the services of Owen Wijndal, Christian Rasmussen, Wout Weghorst and Youri Regeer as they are all confined to the infirmary. Klaasen will also be missing after he received a straight red card in last month’s knockout-round playoff.
As for Frankfurt, Timothy Chandler will sit out the game due to a thigh problem. Igor Matanovic has also been left out of the squad as he is trying to recover from injury.
Ajax vs Eintracht Frankfurt potential line-ups
Ajax: Pasveer; Gaaei, Rugani, Baas, Hato; Fitz-Jim, Taylor, Mokio; Berghuis, Godts, Brobbey
Eintracht Frankfurt: Trapp; Collins, Koch, Theate; Kristensen, Skhiri, Larsson, Gotze, Brown; Ekitike, Wahi
How to Watch?
Soccer fans can enjoy all Europa League matches live on TV.
Ajax vs Eintracht Frankfurt prediction
Frankfurt will be low on confidence following the heavy losses to Bayern and Leverkusen when they conceded a combined eight goals. Given Ajax’s form and the fact they will be playing at home, we feel the hosts will edge the Europa League contest on Thursday.
Ajax 2-1 Eintracht Frankfurt
