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 play-offs. Francesco Farioli's side exchanged 2-0 victories with their opponents, but a single goal in extra time of the second leg propelled Ajax into the Round of 16. This stage marks their first appearance in the Europa League since the 2020/21 season. It is 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.
- Ajax has a 10-match uncompromising streak at home 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 games.
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.
Injured players include forward Wout Weghorst, midfielders Branco van den Boomen, and Juri Reger. Midfielder Davy Klaassen is suspended.
Eintracht
Dino Toppmöller's team finished fifth in the group stage, avoiding the play-offs. The Germans remained unbeaten in 6 of 8 matches (5 wins, 1 draw), and among the top eight, no team conceded more than Eintracht (10 goals). Their 20-match scoring streak in the Europa League was snapped in the last game against Roma (0-2). It is worth recalling that in their last Europa League campaign, Eintracht won the tournament.
- Eintracht scored first in 7 of their last 8 Europa League matches.
- Away from home in the Europa League, Frankfurt has not lost 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-Matthieu Baouia, 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 second leg play-off against Union ended a 5-match home streak for Ajax with at least three goals scored. In this tournament, the team has scored in 6 of 8 home matches, while Farioli's side has conceded in 5 of their last 6 Europa League games. Additionally, based on xG, the Dutch team ranks second in this Europa League.
Similar results are seen with Eintracht. 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. Notably, the team has performed well in attack: Eintracht has scored in 9 of their last 10 away matches in this tournament, hitting the net at least twice in 7 cases. However, they have conceded in 9 consecutive away games in the Europa League.
Judging by the opponents' metrics, we can expect a high-scoring encounter. My prediction: Total over 2.5 goals
