Ajax vs APOEL Nicosia Predictions

Ajax would’ve been hoping to get themselves on the score-sheet away from home, though they had to settle for a 0-0 in Cyprus. Now back on their own patch, the Dutch giants, who reached the Champions League semi-final last season, know that they need to win, as any draw other than a 0-0 would mean elimination.

They were unable to come out on top, nor did they find the net, though Ajax delivered a promising performance away from home last week. Offensively, the Dutchmen weren’t at the levels we saw them reach last term, but they still created more than their opponents, producing an expected goal difference of +0.46, while they also bettered Cluj in term of shots and shots on target. Moreover, Ajax did a good job of restricting the opposition, as they allowed just 0.73 expected goals against. Considering that they played away from home, such a number is pleasing.

Now back on their own patch, which is where they scored three goals and created a whopping 4.36 expected goals for during the previous round, Ajax will fancy themselves to do the business.

As we can see from the above, there wasn’t a great deal to like about APOEL’s effort last week. They did avoid defeat, while they also kept a clean sheet, though their lack of invention in the final third is worrying, especially ahead of a trip to Johan Cruijff Arena.

APOEL’s previous away performances in qualifying don’t exactly make for great reading. They beat Qarabag on the road during the previous round, but they looked reasonably open in doing so, as they shipped 1.43 expected goals. They also gave away 1.56 away against Sutjeska prior to that. Such numbers do not bode well ahead of Wednesday’s game against an Ajax attack that can be very strong at home.

From a betting point of view, unfortunately, this isn’t the most appealing fixture. Ajax have the quality to get the job done in front of their own fans, though the market is all too aware of that simple fact. That said, those looking to get involved should get a good run out of ‘Ajax to Win & Under 3.5 Goals’.

For all Ajax have the power to score goals at home, APOEL, who lack forward threat, did do a reasonable job of restricting the Dutchmen last week, so backing the hosts to win without going completely crazy in front of goal makes sense at the current prices.