The UEFA Europa League is back in action with another round of matches this week as AFC Ajax Amsterdam lock horns with Lazio in an important clash at the Johan Cruijff Arena on Thursday. Both teams have good players in their ranks and will be determined to win this game.
AFC Ajax Amsterdam vs Lazio Preview
AFC Ajax Amsterdam are in sixth place in the UEFA Europa League standings and have stepped up to the plate on the European front this season. The home side slumped to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of AZ Alkmaar over the weekend and will need to bounce back in this match.
Lazio, on the other hand, are at the top of the Europa League table and have been in impressive form this season. The Biancocelesti edged Napoli by a 1-0 scoreline in their previous game and will look to achieve a similar result this week.
AFC Ajax Amsterdam vs Lazio Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The only match that has taken place between Lazio and AFC Ajax Amsterdam was a friendly encounter in 2000 that ended in a 0-0 stalemate.
- Ajax are winless in their last 12 matches at home against opponents from Italy in major European competitions, with their most recent such game ending in a 6-1 defeat at the hands of Napoli in October 2022.
- Lazio have won each of their last two matches against opponents from the Netherlands in major European competitions and have never won three such games in a row.
- Ajax have won their two matches at home in the UEFA Europa League this season by a margin of at least four goals and have not secured three such victories on the trot since the 1979-80 European Cup season.
AFC Ajax Amsterdam vs Lazio Prediction
Lazio have been in exceptional form in the UEFA Europa League and will be intent on making the most of their purple patch. Pedro has been impressive for the Biancocelesti and will look to bring his experience to the fore this week.
AFC Ajax Amsterdam have blown hot and cold this year and will need to be at their best against a formidable opponent. Lazio are in good form and should be able to win this game.
Prediction: AFC Ajax Amsterdam 1-2 Lazio
AFC Ajax Amsterdam vs Lazio Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Lazio to win
Tip 2: Game to have over 2.5 goals - Yes
Tip 3: AFC Ajax Amsterdam to score first - Yes