Ajax vs PAOK Thessaloniki Predictions

Ajax returned to winning ways in the Eredivisie at the weekend, as they hammered Emmen 5-0 to claim their first three points of their title defence this term. However, the Dutch side will also be targeting a return to the Champions League group stages, following their run to the semis last term. This is a new-look Ajax side after the departure of key stars, but will they still be able to find a way past PAOK this weekend? The hosts put in a solid display at home in a 2-2 draw, but they need to take their high scoring ways on the road for this one.

The home side are certainly carrying on last season’s magnificent scoring form, as they hit five at the weekend to take their tally for the season to seven goals from two matches. They hit two vital away goals at PAOK in the first leg of this tie, which has set them up to finish off the job in Amsterdam. The Dutch side come into this one unbeaten in 19 of their last 21 clashes in Europe, which is a fine record for a side having to brave the qualifiers. They know that even a low scoring draw here would take them through, although don’t expect Ajax to play for one.

The problem for PAOK is that low scoring draws in this competition appear to be in their DNA. They’ve drawn seven of their last eight Champions League away trips, with six of those finishing 1-1. While the visitors haven’t kicked off their league season, they’ve run through a string of summer friendlies, which suggest they could be a force moving forward. PAOK scored 22 times in six friendlies ahead of their 2-2 draw at home in the first leg of this tie.

Ajax are fresh from a high scoring season in Europe, with over 2.5 goals landing in six of their last eight clashes. Last summer’s qualifiers saw them score twice in five of the six games, while they should still pack a punch going into this home tie. They need to get forward after failing to win on the road and we expect Ajax to deliver in attack.

However, the hosts have seen both teams score in eight of their last 10 matches in this competition. They meet a PAOK side who have seen both teams find the net in 10 of their last 12 Champions League ties. Those clashes include meetings between these two, with the last six clashes each seeing both teams score, with 23 goals scored in total. That fine form for both sides going forward has us backing BTTS in this tie.