Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Europa League match.
Europa League leaders Lazio head to Ajax on Thursday—a fixture that promises to be the highlight of the European tournament schedule. The Amsterdam side have some defensive lapses, which the Romans could exploit; however, they too are weary from a demanding schedule.
Ajax
Away at Real Sociedad (0:2), Ajax conceded 2.04 xGA and were unable to inject energy into the game with substitutions after the break. In the Europa League, they have scored 13 goals, the highest tally alongside Galatasaray. At home, the results have thrilled fans with emphatic wins over Beşiktaş (4:0) and Maccabi Tel-Aviv (5:0), proving that the club will be in the fight for the top spot in the overall stage.
Lazio
Last week, Lazio twice overcame Serie A leaders Napoli, first defeating them in the Coppa Italia (3:1), then securing a league victory (1:0). They are eager to attack when opponents favour open football, with matches exceeding 2.5 goals occurring seven times in their last ten fixtures across all competitions. Marco Baroni Baroni's coaching staff are delivering sensational work, and a trip to Amsterdam might showcase this once more.
Ajax vs Lazio Prediction
Without their main wing-back Owen Wijndal (due to yellow card accumulation), Ajax will see their defensive reliability wane. Marco Farioli will encourage Lazio's attacking intentions, making goals inevitable.
