PAOK Thessaloniki vs Ajax Predictions

They were the story of the season in the Champions League just a matter of months ago, but now Ajax have a tough road back to the group stage. After making a run to the semi-finals, you’d imagine Ajax would be considered among Europe’s elite once again. However, the Dutch giants are a victim of the Eredivisie’s standing. They now need to navigate two rounds of qualifiers just to make the group stage, so the new look Ajax side without Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong are facing an early test against PAOK.

The hosts may have won the Greek title last term, but they are going to need work in order to make an impact in this clash. They head into this game with a horrible run of form in Europe behind them. They won just one of their Europa League group matches last term, losing five out of six. That came after a failed attempt to make the Champions League group stage, which saw them fall short against Benfica. The Portuguese side would then go on to finish behind Ajax in the group stage.

Ajax enjoyed a remarkable European run last season while taking back control of the Dutch title. They played an attractive style that earned them a lot of praise, but that was based around the incredibly talented players who have departed this summer. Their transfer business has cast a wide net, a move that Tottenham and Liverpool have shown to be a major risk. If the Dutch side are going to strengthen their squad then they’ll need to claim a cut of the Champions League group stage prize money.

The Dutch side have a real issue in defence, with de Ligt a hard man to replace. Ajax have brought in three new centre-backs this summer; Edson Alvarez from Mexico, Lisandro Martinez from Argentina and 18-year-old Kik Pierie. Those three aren’t likely to make an immediate impact, which offers PAOK an opportunity. The Greek side have seen both teams score in their last five home games in this competition.

PAOK should push forward and get a goal here, but they meet an attack-minded Ajax team. the visitors have seen both teams score in six of their last seven matches in Europe. In addition, the last five meetings between these two sides have seen both teams find the net, with 19 goals shared between them. More goals seem likely on Tuesday, so both teams to score is our prediction.