Ajax vs Atalanta Predictions

• Atalanta beat Pafos 3-1 in their Conference League opener
• Ajax lost 2-1 at Hajduk Split

La Dea backable underdogs in Amsterdam

Atalanta kicked off their Conference League bid with a 3-1 win over Cypriot side Pafos but they face a tougher test in their second assignment as they make the trip to Ajax.

Ajax rotated their team for their own opener as they went down 2-1 in Croatia to Hajduk Split. The Amsterdam side are among the favourites for overall glory in this competition but the Conference League isn’t necessarily their priority right now and boss Michel could opt to make a few changes to his side again.

La Dea also made changes for their last European game but they’ve got a bit more strength in depth than Ajax. Italy international Gianluca Scamacca only came off the bench against AC Milan at the weekend and he should come back into the starting XI on Thursday, while Eljif Elmas should also start as he sat out due to suspension in Milan.

The home side are the team in better form but Atalanta performed well in defeat at the San Siro and that level of performance might be enough to win in Amsterdam against an Ajax outfit who could rotate.

This also has the potential to be a high-scoring game and a 3-2 win for the visitors has a chance. Atalanta have scored eight goals across their last three games and have shipped five themselves, while 10 of Ajax’s last 12 games have gone over 3.5 goals.

Scamacca scored against Pafos and was also on target for Italy over the Nations League break. The visiting forward has two goals in three appearances in this competition, including qualifiers, and he can add to his haul on Thursday.