Last week was encouraging for Ajax, while everyone at Slavia Prague celebrated the team’s rise to the clear top spot in the Czech league. Who will celebrate on Thursday?
A typical match for the Prague team in September involved scoring at least two goals, keeping a clean sheet, and securing three points, regardless of the competition or opponent. Their toughest challenges included a meeting with fellow Europa League participant Viktoria Plzeň, whom they overwhelmed with three goals, and their Europa League opener against Ludogorets Razgrad, where the home advantage was not enough to prevent a defeat and two goals conceded. However, the last time Slavia Prague faced an opponent of Ajax's level was in the Champions League qualifying play-offs, a competition they were eager to join. They edged out Lille in Prague (2:1) but couldn't overcome the additional task of the away deficit of (-2) goals.
Ajax's win over Beşiktaş in the first round of the Europa League might have been predicted, but few expected the Dutch club to thrash the Turkish side 4:0. Playing at home added to their advantage, yet Istanbul had not suffered such a resounding defeat since January 20, when they lost by the same scoreline to Pendikspor in an away fixture, who then were eliminated from the Süper Lig. Ajax secured their big win by capitalising on created opportunities (2.23 xG) and nine shots on target. Can they maintain such efficiency in back-to-back matches?
Slavia Prague are in form, and Ajax are finding their rhythm. It’s challenging to confidently predict a winner, but it’s clear that both attacks are currently strong and prolific. Therefore, we can expect at least three goals in the match.
