Dutch giants Ajax kick off their 2024-25 Europa League qualifying campaign with a home tie against Serbian side FK Vojvodina in the first leg of their second qualifying round on Thursday evening.
This match marks the beginning of a potentially pivotal season for Ajax, with new manager Francesco Farioli appointed in May to steer the team back to success and restore the club to its former glory, especially in the Eredivisie. Their pre-season has been mixed, but recent form suggests they are finding their feet. While their pre-season started with a 1-0 defeat at home to PEC Zwolle, the Amsterdammers have since found their rhythm, winning four consecutive matches.
The Dutch side boasts a wealth of experience, although the absence of goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, who is away at the Olympics with Argentina, will be a blow. Jordan Henderson is expected to captain the team in Ruilli’s absence, with Remko Pasveer likely between the sticks. Carlos Forbs could be a key attacking threat on the left flank, while the potential absence of Owen Wijndal through injury might see Borna Sosa deputise at left-back.
There is also uncertainty surrounding the returns of Brian Brobbey and Steven Bergwijn following their Euro 2024 exploits. However, summer signing Bertrand Traore is in contention for his debut.
FK Vojvodina ready for Ajax Challenge
FK Vojvodina, meanwhile, will arrive in Amsterdam in confident mood after winning all three of their recent friendlies and scoring eight goals while conceding just two. A 3-1 victory over Tekstilac in the Serbian League last time out further underlines their strong form, and with just one loss in their last eight matches under head coach Bozidar Bandovic, Vojvodina appear well-prepared and will be far from pushovers against Ajax.
The Serbians have also strengthened their squad with new signing Marko Velickovic, making an immediate impact by scoring on his competitive debut. He should continue in the number 10 role on Thursday, while fellow new boys Njegos Petrovic and Marko Poletanovic are likely to operate in deeper midfield positions, providing stability and creativity.
Andrija Radulovic, who scored as a substitute in the last game, will compete with Uros Nikolic and Caleb Zady Sery for a spot on either flank, adding further depth to Vojvodina’s attacking options.
Betting Tip: Both Teams to Score (GG)
25/07 19:30 Ajax – FK Vojvodina Both Teams to Score @ 2.08 (Betking)
Given the attacking potential on both sides, we believe there is strong value in backing Both Teams to Score in this match.
Ajax, in particular, will be eager to secure a strong result at home to gain an advantage ahead of the second leg. Meanwhile, Vojvodina have also shown their ability to find the net consistently, as demonstrated by their recent results.
It promises to be an intriguing clash between two teams in good form, and we expect goals at both ends.
Therefore, our betting tip is Both Teams to Score (GG) at 2.08 odds on Betking.
Ajax vs FK Vojvodina - Both Teams to Score (GG) @ 2.08 odds
Possible starting lineups:
Ajax: Ramaj; Rensch, Sutalo, Janse, Sosa; Van den Boomen, Henderson, Taylor; Forbs, Akpom, Berghuis
FK Vojvodina: Carevi; Butean, Korac, Drobnjak, Dordevic; Petrovic, Poletanovic; Nikolic, Velickovic, Zady Sery; Vukanovic
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