Ajax vs Valencia Predictions

• Ajax arrive knowing a point will take them into the last 16, but winning the game is the only way they can ensure top spot in the group.
• Having already defeated Valencia 3-0 in Spain and having won 4 of their last 5 matches, Ajax will be confident coming into the game.
• A win is the only way Valencia can assure themselves of a last 16 place. Draw and they’ll be relying on Chelsea to fail to beat Lille at home.
• Valencia haven’t kept a clean sheet in 6 away games, which doesn’t bode well given the freescoring nature of the side they face.

Ajax gunning for victory

After a stunning run to the semi-finals of the Champions League last season that made Europe sit up and take notice, Ajax are once again turning heads on the big stage. With 10 points to their name after 5 games, the hosts have performed very well in the competition so far and just need to put in a mature performance on Tuesday to advance from the group.

A shock domestic 2-0 home defeat to Willem II on Friday will surely have refocused Ajax and they should be able to snap back to their best here, given they were in excellent form prior to said defeat, going on a run of 11 wins from 13 outings whilst scoring an average of 3.41 goals a game in the process.

Valencia need a win

The mission is clear for Valencia in Amsterdam and they simply have to try and win the game. Anything less would likely see them drop into the Europa League, with it looking very unlikely that Chlesea will drop points at home to the already eliminated Lille. Having already been hammered by Ajax 3-0 on home soil, the Spaniards will have to put in a better performance against the Dutch outfit this time around if they are to have any chance.

Nonetheless, it’s hard to have much faith in Valencia standing up the challenge the trip presents and their defensive record is a source of real concern. Indeed, they’ve not kept a clean sheet in their last 4 matches and having conceded an average of 2 goals a game over their last 6 away matches, asking them to resist a rampant Ajax side looks a big ask. 

Ajax should secure victory and top spot

Ultimately, picturing anything but a home win on Tuesday is very difficult. As long as Ajax handle the pressure of the night, they look to have everything in place to get the better of a leaky Valencia outfit once again.

All things considered, we really like the look of backing an Ajax win here and are happy to do so with maximum confidence. Prior to their defeat on Friday, Ajax had plunged in exactly 4 goals in 3 straight home games and whilst we don’t think they’ll quite score that many in this clash, they should find plenty of attacking joy in a potential 2-0 win.