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Ajax will welcome Shelbourne to Johan Cruijff ArenA on Thursday in the first leg of their tie in the Conference League's third qualifying round.
The winner of the tie will have to navigate another round of qualifying if they are to advance into the league phase of the Conference League, but the hosts will be immensely confident after winning 8-2 against Vojvodina in the previous round.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Ajax vs Shelbourne key stats
- Ajax have been level with their opponents at half time in four of their last five European matches.
- Shelbourne have failed to score in six of their last eight European games.
- Ajax have scored at least two goals in six of their last nine matches.
- Shelbourne have conceded at least two goals in four of their past five UEFA fixtures.
Ajax vs Shelbourne preview: Downtrodden giants
Ajax vs Shelbourne — Tale of the Tape
| AJA | vs | SHE |
|---|---|---|
| 5th (2025-26 Eredivisie) | Position | 5th (League of Ireland) |
| 56 | Points | 34 |
| 62 | Goals For | 35 |
| 41 | Goals Against | 36 |
| 10 | Clean Sheets | 5 |
| 6th | Home / Away Rank | 3rd |
Ajax might be four-time winners of the Champions League, but they are now competing to qualify for the Conference League for the first time since the introduction of the competition in 2021.
Reaching the league phase will be bittersweet for supporters, though after they finished fifth in the Eredivisie in 2025-26 – their joint lowest position in 27 seasons – securing any European football would be a significant boost.
In the second round of Conference League qualifying, the Dutch giants won 4-1 in both legs against Vojvodina, and they deserve praise for responding with four goals in the second leg on July 30 after their opponents opened the scoring in the 40th minute.
Boss Miguel Angel Sanchez will hope that he will be able to select winger Mika Godts given the forward's move to Paris Saint-Germain is reportedly advancing, as he will otherwise have to start the likes of Oliver Edvardsen in the forward line.
Shelbourne deserve credit for how they navigated their tie with Nomme JK Kalju at the end of July, with the Irish side winning 6-4 on aggregate despite losing 2-1 in the second leg on July 30.
While winning by a two-goal margin makes it sound like the overall tie was close, they did take a 6-2 aggregate lead in the 15th minute of that second-leg clash, and their opponents were reduced to 10 men just after the half-hour mark.
The visitors are navigating their 2026 League of Ireland campaign alongside their European adventure, and they are at serious risk of missing out on European qualification considering they are fifth with 34 points, 10 points from the third and final Conference League playoff spot.
In terms of injuries, the only concern for head coach John Russel is Ademipo Odubeko, who is dealing with a knock, and his potential absence may lead to starts for Evan Caffrey, Rodrigo Freitas and Sean Moore in a front three.
Ajax vs Shelbourne form guide & betting tips
| AJA | vs | SHE |
|---|---|---|
W
W
|
Form |
W
L
W
L
L
|
| 8 | Goals For | 10 |
| 2 | Goals Against | 8 |
WW |
Conference League qualifying | WW |
Whispers predicts: Ajax 2-0 Shelbourne
Ajax boast a significantly greater history in Europe, and it comes as no surprise to see the bookmakers overwhelmingly back a home victory at 1/14 (1.07).
Given the hosts have scored at least two goals in six of their last nine competitive matches, a prediction of Over 1.5 Goals for Ajax, priced at 1/7 (1.14), appears to be the way to go.
Shelbourne have struggled for goals in Europe, and their difficulties in the final third makes a bet of Under 0.5 Goals for Shelbourne – valued at 4/9 (1.44) – a sensible prediction.
Ajax have shown a tendency to be level with their European opponents at the break, so predicting a Draw at Half Time at 13/5 (3.6) could be an inspired bet.
> Over 1.5 Goals for Ajax at 1/7 (1.14) | Likelihood: Probable
> Under 0.5 Goals for Shelbourne at 4/9 (1.44) | Likelihood: Possible
> Draw at Half Time at 13/5 (3.6) | Likelihood: Outsider