The Matchday 8 encounter of the 2024/25 Europa League between Ajax (Netherlands) and Galatasaray (Turkey) will take place on January 30 at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam. Ajax vs. Galatasaray: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Ajax
Francesco Farioli's side suffered a setback in their last away match against RFS (0-1). As a result, the club has lost three consecutive Europa League matches, dropping to 16th in the standings. The Dutch team failed to score for the second time in the current Europa League campaign. Nevertheless, Ajax still has a good chance of advancing to the playoffs – they only need to avoid defeat in the upcoming match.
Defender Owen Wijndal will miss the game due to injury. Midfielder Branco van den Boomen is suspended.
- The club has won in regular time in 5 of their last 7 home matches in the Europa League.
- The team has not conceded more than one goal in 90 minutes in 6 of their last 7 home games in this European competition.
- Ajax players have scored in the second half in 6 of their last 7 home Europa League matches.
Galatasaray
In the last round, Okan Buruk's side could not secure a win at home against Dynamo Kyiv, despite leading by two goals in the second half (3-3). Nevertheless, Galatasaray extended their unbeaten streak in the Europa League to seven matches (3 wins, 4 draws). Moreover, the club has scored the most goals in the group stage – 18. The Turkish side is ninth in the standings with 13 points and has already secured a playoff spot. A win in this match could see them advance directly to the Round of 16.
Midfielders Hakim Ziyech and Kerem Demirbay, along with forward Mauro Icardi, will miss the game due to injuries.
- The team has drawn in regular time in 5 of their last 6 away matches in the Europa League.
- The club has not scored more than once in 90 minutes in 7 of their last 9 away games in this European competition.
- The Turks have failed to score in the second half in 5 of their last 6 away Europa League matches.
Predicted lineups for Ajax vs. Galatasaray
Ajax (4-3-3): Remko Pasveer – Jurrien Timber, Anton Goei, Josip Sutalo, Daniele Rugani – Kenneth Taylor, Jordan Henderson, Kian Fitz-Jim – Bertrand Traore, Brian Brobbey, Mika Godts.
Galatasaray (4-3-3): Fernando Muslera – Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Davinson Sanchez, Kaan Ayhan, Ismail Jakobs – Lucas Torreira, Dries Mertens, Berkan Kutlu – Yunus Akgün, Victor Osimhen, Barış Yılmaz.
Each team's starting lineup is from their last match in this tournament.
Referee: Jesús Gil Manzano (Spain)
Matches – 5 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 26;
Average yellow cards per match – 5.2;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 27;
Penalties – 20%.
Ajax vs. Galatasaray: Match Prediction
The Dutch team performs well in home European matches: Ajax aims to play from a position of strength and does not allow opponents many attacking opportunities. Before their last home game against leading Lazio, they had conceded only one goal in five Europa League matches this season. Notably, Francesco Farioli's side did not allow another Turkish club, Beşiktaş, to score.
Galatasaray, on the other hand, rarely excels in creativity on the road. In their last nine away Europa League matches, they have only surpassed one goal twice. This happened against RFS and Malmö, teams not known for strong defensive play. While the Turks have scored a lot in the current Europa League, most of their goals have come in home matches.
I expect Ajax's defense to hold off the visitors' attack, so my prediction: Galatasaray Individual Total Under 2
