RFS vs Ajax: betting odds January 23, 2025

The Matchday 7 fixture of the 2024/25 Europa League between RFS (Latvia) and Ajax (Netherlands) will be held on January 23 at the Daugava Stadium in Riga. RFS vs. Ajax: prediction and betting odds, statistics.

Referee: Marian Barbu (Romania)

Matches – 8 (International matches, 2024/25);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 25;

Average yellow cards per match – 3.1;

Red cards shown – 1;

Average fouls per match – 23;

Penalties – 25%.

Predicted lineups for RFS vs. Ajax

RFS (3-5-2): Devis Epassy – Žiga Lipušček, Herdi Prenga, Roberts Savalnieks – Jānis Ikaunieks, Dmitrijs Zelenkovs, Stefan Panić, Adam Marhiev, Haruna Rasheed Njie – Lasha Odisharia, Alen Quadjo.

Ajax (4-3-3): Remko Pasveer – Jurriën Timber, Devyne Rensch, Josip Šutalo, Jorrel Hato – Kenneth Taylor, Jordan Henderson, Mika Godts – Bertrand Traoré, Brian Brobbey, Steven Berghuis.

Each team's starting lineup from their last match in this tournament is listed.

RFS

In the previous round, Viktor Moroz’s side suffered a 1-2 defeat to Maccabi Tel Aviv. As a result, RFS extended their winless streak in regular time in the Europa League to seven matches (2 draws, 5 losses). The team still has only two points and is ranked 34th in the standings. However, the Latvian club still has a chance to reach the playoffs: they need to win both remaining matches and hope for slip-ups from their rivals.

• The team has not lost in regular time in 4 of their last 5 home matches in the Europa League (2 wins, 2 draws).
• Both opponents scored in 6 of the club's last 8 matches in this European competition.
• At least three goals have been scored in regular time in 6 of RFS's last 9 Europa League matches.

Ajax

Francesco Farioli's side lost 1-3 to Lazio at home in the last round. This defeat marked Ajax's second consecutive loss in the Europa League, dropping the team to the 11th position in the standings. However, a win will secure a playoff spot and a chance for a direct entry into the Round of 16. Notably, the Dutch side has been prolific, scoring 14 goals in the group stage, second only to two teams.

Defender Owen Wijndal is out due to injury. Defender Jorrel Hato is suspended.

• The club has not lost in regular time in 5 of their last 6 away matches in the Europa League (4 wins, 1 draw).
• The team conceded in 10 of their last 12 away matches in this European competition.
• At least three goals have been scored in regular time in 6 of Ajax's last 8 away matches in the Europa League.

RFS vs. Ajax: Match Prediction

The current level of the Europa League has proven too high for RFS, but as long as they have a chance to reach the playoffs, the team will likely try to capitalize on it. The Latvian club has shown decent attacking prowess, failing to score in only two group stage matches. Additionally, they have scored in 4 of their last 5 home matches in this European competition, netting a total of 12 goals in this period.

Ajax favors an attacking style and focuses on creating chances, even away from home. In their last 14 away matches in the Europa League, the club failed to score only twice, and in seven instances, they breached the opponent's defense at least twice. However, in 10 of their last 12 away matches in this tournament, Ajax's defense has faltered, resulting in conceded goals.

Given that the Latvian league is currently in the off-season, I am not confident that RFS can secure a positive result, but the hosts are capable of playing actively upfront. I expect both teams to score in this encounter, so my prediction: Both teams to score – yes