AEK Athens vs Ajax Predictions

AEK Athens were always likely to be the whipping boys in Champions League Group E, and unsurprisingly that is exactly how it has turned out after 4 games of Champions League action. They come into matchday 5 bottom of the group, yet to collect a single point and with just 2 goals to their name.

The first of these 4 defeats came at the hands of Tuesday’s opposition Ajax. The Eredivisie giants took a little time to warm up, but as soon as the second half kicked off they were in complete control of the Greek side. They eventually ran out 3-0 winners over them, a victory that was to be the start of an impressive showing in Europe.

Ajax were by no means clear favourites to get through to the knockout rounds, with Bayern Munich the overwhelming favourites for top spot and Benfica promising to put up a formidable battle as well. However, coming into the penultimate round the Dutch side could actually go top of the group with a win here, putting the pressure on Bayern Munich when they face Benfica later in the evening.

A win should be well within Ajax’s means as well. AEK Athens come into this game having lost their last 3 in all competitions, and they have lost all 4 Champions League games so far. They have conceded 10 goals in these 4 matches and only scored themselves twice, so their chances of an unlikely 3rd place finish could die on Tuesday.

Ajax, on the other hand, are unbeaten in their group stage campaign. They have beaten both Benfica and AEK at the Amsterdam ArenA and even managed to take a point from the Allianz when they faced Bayern Munich there. They replicated that 1-1 scoreline away to Benfica, but they will be more confident of a full points haul against AEK on Tuesday.

Ajax don’t have the best record away from home in the Champions League, but you can’t deny how impressive they have been this season. They are unbeaten in all competitions since a loss at PSV in September, winning 10 of their 12 matches since. They may have been unable to win away from home to Benfica and Bayern Munich, but AEK are a much weaker side than either of those and an away win on Tuesday looks good value for money. We’re backing that along with a 2-1 correct score predictions.