The first leg of the 2024/25 Europa League Round of 16 between Ajax (Netherlands) and Eintracht (Germany) will take place on March 6 at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam. Ajax vs. Eintracht: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Ajax
The Dutch team advanced past Union in the playoffs. Francesco Farioli's squad exchanged 2-0 victories with their opponents, but a single goal scored in extra time of the return leg secured Ajax's spot in the Round of 16. This marks the first time the team has reached this stage in the Europa League since the 2020/21 season. It's worth noting that the club has lost 4 of their last 6 Europa League matches (2 wins).
- At least one opponent failed to score in regular time in 6 of Ajax's last 8 Europa League matches.
- At home in this tournament, Ajax has a 10-match uncompromising streak (6 wins, 4 losses).
- The Dutch team has not conceded more than one goal in 7 of their last 9 home Europa League matches.
Predicted lineup for Ajax (4-3-3)
Remko Pasveer – Josip Sutalo, Daniele Rugani, Lucas Rosa, Jorrel Hato – Kian Fitz-Jim, Davy Klaassen, Jorty Mokio – Christian Rasmussen, Oliver Edvardsen, Steven Berghuis.
The team has forward Wout Weghorst and midfielders Jorrit Reeger and Christian Rasmussen in the infirmary. Midfielder Davy Klaassen is suspended.
Eintracht
Dino Toppmöller's team finished fifth in the group stage, avoiding the playoffs. The Germans remained unbeaten in 6 of 8 matches (5 wins, 1 draw), and among the top eight, no one conceded more than Eintracht (10 goals). It's worth noting that their 20-match scoring streak in the Europa League ended in the last round against Roma (0-2). In their last Europa League campaign, the team won the tournament.
- Eintracht scored first in 7 of their last 8 Europa League matches.
- Away in the Europa League, the Frankfurt team remained unbeaten in 8 of their last 10 matches (7 wins, 1 draw).
- The club has conceded in 9 consecutive away games in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Eintracht (3-4-3)
Kevin Trapp – Arthur Theate, Robin Koch, Tuta – Rasmus Kristensen, Ellyes Skhiri, Hugo Larsson, Ansgar Knauff – Fares Chaibi, Jean-Matteo Bahoya, Hugo Ekitike.
Defender Robin Koch is injured.
Referee
Simone Sozza (Italy)
Matches – 9 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 50;
Average yellow cards per match – 5.6;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 22;
Penalties – 56%.
Match Prediction: Ajax vs. Eintracht
Ajax's matches in the Europa League have been high-scoring. The return playoff match with Union ended Ajax's 5-match home streak with at least three goals scored. In this tournament, the team has scored in 6 of 8 home matches, while Francesco Farioli's side has conceded in 5 of their last 6 Europa League games. Additionally, according to xG, the Dutch team ranks second in this Europa League.
Similar results are seen with the Frankfurt team. Before the last round match against Roma, at least three goals were scored in six consecutive away matches for the Germans in the Europa League. Eintracht has shown strong attacking play, scoring in 9 of their last 10 away matches in this tournament, and in 7 cases, the club scored at least twice. However, the team has conceded in 9 consecutive away matches in the Europa League.
Given the opponents' stats, we can expect a high-scoring match. My prediction: Total over 2.5 goals
