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 side advanced past Union in the playoffs. Francesco Farioli's team exchanged 2-0 victories with their opponents, but a solitary goal in extra time of the return leg saw Ajax progress to the Round of 16. This is the first time they have 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 games.
- Ajax has a 10-match uncompromising home streak in this tournament (6 wins, 4 losses).
- The Dutch side 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.
In the team's infirmary are forward Wout Weghorst and midfielders Juri Reger, Christian Rasmussen. 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), yet among the top eight, no team conceded more goals than Eintracht (10 goals). Additionally, their 20-match goal-scoring streak in the Europa League ended in the last round against Roma (0-2). It's worth recalling that in their last Europa League campaign, the team won the tournament.
- Eintracht scored first in 7 of their last 8 Europa League matches.
- The Frankfurt side has not lost in 8 of their last 10 away Europa League games (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-Matéo 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%.
Ajax vs. Eintracht: Match Prediction
Ajax's Europa League matches have been high-scoring. The return playoff match with Union ended a 5-match home streak for Ajax with at least three goals scored. In the current tournament, the team has scored in 6 of 8 home games, while Farioli's side has conceded in 5 of their last 6 Europa League matches. Additionally, Ajax ranks second in the current Europa League for expected goals (xG).
Similar results for the Frankfurt side. Before the last match against Roma, at least three goals were scored in six consecutive away Europa League matches for Eintracht. The team's strong attacking play is noteworthy: Eintracht has scored in 9 of their last 10 away Europa League games, netting at least two goals on 7 occasions. However, they have conceded in 9 consecutive away matches in the Europa League.
Given the opponents' statistics, we can expect a high-scoring encounter. My prediction: Total over 2.5 goals