Match bet
The Irish club are going through a difficult spell, having lost each of their last four competitive matches by an aggregate score of 3:8. Shelbourne's main problem is a catastrophic lack of chances against well-organised pressing: in Amsterdam, they managed only three shots in 90 minutes. At home at Tolka Park, the Irish side will rely on set pieces and physical battles, but the need to chase the game will open up spaces in the hosts' defence.
Ajax have made an impressive start to the new season, winning each of their last four competitive matches by at least two goals. The Dutch side were totally dominant in the first leg: 71% possession, 32 shots (11 on target) and 14 corners. The Amsterdam side have far too much quality in their squad — Oscar Gloukh (a hat-trick against Vojvodina), Kasper Dolberg (a goal against Shelbourne) and Julian Brandt, who scored in the first Eredivisie match against Zwolle (2:0).
The hosts will have to take risks from the opening minutes, which will give Ajax's counter-attacking line more freedom. The Dutch side adapt easily to their opponents' aggressive style and will comfortably confirm their status as favourites once again.