Ajax are set to play Paderborn at the Sportpark Vondersweijde on Saturday in a friendly fixture.
Ajax come into this game on the back of a 3-0 win over Rico Schmitt's Meppen in their most recent game. A goal from Danish forward Christian Rasmussen and a first-half brace from attacker Sontje Hansen secured the win for Alfred Schreuder's Ajax.
Paderborn, on the other hand, lost 3-0 to Darmstadt in their most recent official fixture. A goal from midfielder Tim Skarke and a brace from forward Luca Pfeiffer sealed the deal for Darmstadt. Paderborn had attacker Marvin Cuni sent off in the second-half.
Ajax vs Paderborn Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The two clubs faced each other last year in a friendly game as well, with Ajax beating Paderborn 4-1.
- Ajax were without most of their first-team players for their friendly against Meppen. One player who did impress was forward Mohamed Ihattaren.
- With multiple first-team players who played starring roles last season for Ajax likely to leave or having already left, manager Alfred Schreuder will have to turn to Ajax's renowned academy. Sontje Hansen has started well, having registered a brace already during pre-season.
- Forward Sven Michel has left Paderborn to join Union Berlin; he scored 14 league goals last season.
Ajax vs Paderborn Prediction
Ajax are undergoing a period of transition and change. Erik ten Hag's departure to Manchester United has been well-documented, and he seems intent on reuniting with a host of Ajax stars as well. Antony, Jurrien Timber, Lisandro Martinez and Nicolas Tagliafico have all been linked with the Old Trafford outfit.
Meanwhile, Ajax academy graduates Ryan Gravenberch and Noussair Mazraoui have both joined Bayern Munich. Meanwhile, star striker Sebastien Haller is closing in on a move to Borussia Dortmund. Ajax have been linked with the likes of AZ Alkmaar's Owen Wijndal and Tottenham Hotspur's Steven Bergwijn, but are yet to strengthen their squad.
With PSV Eindhoven signing talents like Walter Benitez and Ki-Jana Hoever, Ajax need to move quickly. Retaining the Eredivisie title will certainly not be an easy task.
Paderborn, on the other hand, finished seventh last season. The 2. Bundesliga side finished the season by winning three of their last five league games, and it will be interesting to see how they tackle the upcoming season.
Ajax will be the favorites to win this game.
Prediction: Ajax 3-0 Paderborn
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Ajax vs Paderborn Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Ajax
Tip 2: Game to have over 2.5 goals - Yes
Tip 3: Ajax to keep a clean sheet - Yes