Ajax vs Standard Liege Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Are Ajax on course for the next round of the Champions League qualifiers? The Dutch side returned from Belgium with a 2-2 draw in the first leg of this clash, and now they’re out to finish the job at home. After an impressive display in the away leg didn’t quite get the result they wanted, the Dutch giants have a great chance to improve as they chase a place among Europe’s elite in next month’s group stage. Will it be Ajax making a return to that competition, or are we going to see a surprise from Standard Liege?

The visitors held their own with a fightback in the home leg, but after shipping two away goals, the pressure is on the Belgians. Keep a clean sheet here, and Ajax go through regardless. That’s a straightforward task for the hosts, but they have been pretty terrible when it comes to keeping sides out. The Eredivisie team ended up exiting this competition after their first qualifying tie last term due to their poor defensive structure.

The visitors need to target that, and go in search of a couple of away goals. They have to try and match Ajax, they can’t come here aiming for a 1-0. While the hosts have defensive issues, they still pack a punch up front. The Dutch side have scored in 13 of their last 14 home Champions League ties, and they’ll be looking to extend that run in Tuesday’s meeting with the Belgian side.

However Standard made a roaring return to European football as they launched their comeback against Ajax. They’re at a crucial point, as they have work to do here in order to return to the group stage of this competition. A win would put them in the play-off round, on the verge of the group stage. That pressure comes just as these two are getting ready for the new league campaign, while their season could be delivered a knockout blow, based on their result on Tuesday.

We see this being tight, given that Ajax have a few important players missing for this one. However, we are backing them to get a goal and claim a draw, which will send them through to the next round. The Dutch side have seen both teams score in 10 of their last 11 Champions League ties, and this one should go the same way. We’re backing BTTS as our main tip here, along with a 1-1 draw.