APOEL Nicosia vs Ajax Predictions

APOEL, who are generally regulars at this stage in the Champions League, endured a torrid continental campaign last season as they were eliminated at the first time of asking by Suduva. They went on to fail in the Europa League qualifying playoffs as well, missing out on European group stage action for the first time since the 2012/13 season.

This season they look back to their best though, beating Sutjeska and Qarabag so far before being handed this incredibly tough draw. Winning a spot in the Champions League group stages might be too big an ask for the Cypriots, but they can at least look forward to the Europa League group stages.

That being said, APOEL could make things difficult for Ajax in this first leg. Their home record in Europe is generally very good, and Ajax have already slipped up on the road this season.

APOEL have lost just 4 of their last 20 European home games and even managed a 1-1 draw against Borussia Dortmund 2 seasons ago. They actually played against Ajax in the 2014/15 Champions League group stages, losing 4-0 in Amsterdam but earning a 1-1 draw at home.

Ajax, who are still adjusting to life without the departed Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong, haven’t enjoyed a perfect start to the season so far. Admittedly they remain unbeaten, but they have drawn 2 of their 6 competitive games and both of these came in their 3 away matches.

With captain de Ligt gone, it’s their defence that’s letting them down. Even with de Ligt they weren’t the sturdiest at the back, but now they have conceded in 4 of their last 5 games and have shipped 2 goals away to both Vitesse and PAOK.

We’re not expecting Ajax to fail over the 2 legs, but we do think APOEL have a good chance of making life difficult for them in Cyprus. The hosts’ excellent home record in Europe makes an APOEL Win or Draw Double Chance look very attractive, so we’re backing that along with another 2-2 draw away from home for Ajax.