Ajax vs Sturm Graz Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Ajax were left as runners-up in the Eredivisie again last season, and that’s left them with a difficult route to the Champions League group stage. They enter at the second of four qualifying rounds, with only two sides making it through to the competition proper. That’s massively set against the Dutch side, who crashed out at the third qualifying round last year. They’ll be desperate for better this time around, but can they see off Austrian opposition in the form of Sturm Graz?

The Dutch side host the first leg knowing that their displays in Europe have to improve. It was just over a year ago that they were fighting it out with Manchester United in the Europa League final. However, a few months after that defeat brought two European exits for Ajax. They lasted two games in the Champions League before being put out by Nice, while they dropped back in to the Europa League, before being eliminated yet again. They lost out in a shock defeat to Rosenborg, who claimed home and away victories. That’s a real concern for the Amsterdam outfit.

The Austrians will head here targeting a result, and they’ll expect to cause problems against Ajax in this trip. They were prolific in the league last season, hitting 1.72 goals per game on the road domestically. They found the net in 78% of their games, hitting just shy of two goals per game overall. That good form should pose a threat to the Dutch side, especially as Ajax’s recent European history has been littered with poor displays in defence.

Ajax have seen both teams score in their last eight Champions League matches. They were involved in two score draws with Nice a year ago, while the likes of PAOK and Rostov have struggled them in recent years. They’ve also had recent troubles against Austrian opposition, with Rapid Wien scoring three times in a visit here in 2015. That’s not the kind of form the hosts want behind them, especially after seeing both teams score in four straight preseason games.

Sturm Graz started their new campaign with a cup win, and they’re going to head here full of confidence. They should get a goal against this leaky Ajax side, and we’re backing them to strike on Wednesday night. We also see Ajax scoring in front of their own fans, so both teams to score is our pick on this one. We also favour a narrow win for the Dutch side, so we’re backing a 2-1 final score in favour of Ajax.