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Ajax entertain Besiktas at the Johan Cruijff ArenA in their UEFA Europa League opener on Thursday. Both teams booked their place in the league phase through the qualifiers last month.
Ajax are unbeaten in four games, winning three. Their three-game winning streak was halted with a 1-1 draw at Go Ahead Eagles in the Eredivisie. It was a close game, with substitute Davy Klaassen equalising five minutes after Go Ahead had taken the lead.
Besiktas, meanwhile, have enjoyed an unbeaten start to their season, winning six of eight games across competitions. In their previous outing, they registered a 2-1 home win over Eyupspor in the Turkish Super Lig. Milot Rashica scored in the first half before Ciro Immobile bagged the winner in stoppage time.
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AFC Ajax Amsterdam vs Besiktas Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The two teams have crossed paths six times across competitions. with Ajax winning them all, keeping three clean sheets, scoring at least twice.
- Besiktas have drawn their last two away games and have won one of their last nine competitive away outings.
- Ajax have two losses in their last 20 home games in the Europa League, winning 13.
- Besiktas have lost their last three away games in the Europa League, conceding 11 goals and scoring thrice.
- Ajax have scored twice apiece in three home meetings against Besiktas.
- The Black Eagles have scored at least twice in all but one of their eight games across competitions.
AFC Ajax Amsterdam vs Besiktas Prediction
Ajax have just one loss in competitive home games in 2024, with that loss coming against Panathinaikos in the Europa League qualifiers last month. Steven Berghuis is a key absentee for the hosts, while Brian Brobbey returned from a minor injury last week and should return to the starting XI.
Besiktas, meanwhile, have won six of their eight games but have drawn their last two away outings. They have won one of their last six away games in the Europa League.
Considering the form of both teams and recent record in the Europa League, a draw could ensue.
Prediction: Ajax 1-1 Besiktas
AFC Ajax Amsterdam vs Besiktas Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Draw
Tip 2: Goals - Over/Under 2.5 Goals - Under 2.5 goals
Tip 3: At least one goal to be scored in the second half - Yes
Tip 4: Ciro Immobile to score or assist any time - Yes
