Ajax take a narrow 1-0 lead into the second leg of their Europa League qualifier against Greek side Panathinaikos on Thursday night where the Dutch side will be expected to progress in front of their own fans.
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Ajax vs Panathinaikos prediction: Home win on the cards?
Key Stats
- Ajax claimed a 1-0 win away at Panathinaikos in the first leg.
- Under 2.5 goals have been produced in four of the hosts' last five outings.
- Ajax have kept clean sheets in four of their last five matches.
Correct score prediction: Ajax 1-0 Panathinaikos
Ajax have claimed 1-0 wins in four of their last five fixtures, including their first-leg victory in Greece last week. The Dutch giants also defeated Greek opponents in the form of Olympiakos 1-0 at home in pre-season.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Ajax backed by the bookmakers
- HOME: 4/5 (1.80) – 55.6%
- DRAW: 3/1 (4.00) – 25%
- AWAY: 7/2 (4.50) – 22.2%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Ajax are the expected winner of this game with a probability of 55.6%, and we can't argue with the bookmakers on this selection.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Ajax in complete control
Thursday's hosts have won four and lost one of their five previous encounters with Panathinaikos.
UEFA Europa League Qualifying 08/08/24
Panathinaikos
Ajax
Europe Friendlies 22/07/19
Ajax
Panathinaikos
UEFA Europa League 24/11/16
Ajax
Panathinaikos
UEFA Europa League 15/09/16
Panathinaikos
Ajax
Club Friendly List 10/07/15
Panathinaikos
Ajax
Ajax preview: In the midst of a winning streak
Ajax are looking a lot more like their old selves this season following the disappointment of the 2023/24 campaign.
The Dutch side have won each of their last eight matches, including friendlies, and look like they will have enough about them to qualify for the Europa League proper this season.
Vice-captain Steven Berghuis scored the only goal of the game when Ajax made the trip to Panathinaikos last week in what was a deserved victory for the visitors.
Predicted lineup: Pasveer (GK), Šutalo, Rensch, Baas, Hato, Henderson, Taylor, Fitz-Jim, Berghuis, Akpom & Forbs
UEFA Europa League Qualifying 29/08/24
W
Jagiellonia Bialystok
0
Ajax
3
UEFA Europa League Qualifying 22/08/24
W
Jagiellonia Bialystok
1
Ajax
4
Netherlands Eredivisie 18/08/24
L
NAC
2
Ajax
1
UEFA Europa League Qualifying 15/08/24
D
Panathinaikos
1
Ajax
0
Netherlands Eredivisie 11/08/24
W
Heerenveen
0
Ajax
1
Panathinaikos preview: Outclassed by a better side
Panathinaikos were always up against it when they were drawn against a team with the qualities of Ajax that are more often used to being in the Champions League.
The Greeks will have been disappointed to lose their home leg 1-0 after heading into the game as the favourite due to their strong performances in their own backyard.
Trailing by a goal and now having to make the trip to the Netherlands means that Panathinaikos have a lot of work to do if they are to make it through to the play-offs.
Predicted lineup: Drągowski (GK), Ingason, Mladenović, Jedvaj, Kotsiras, Đuričić, Bakasetas, Arão, Mancini, Gnezda Čerin & Jeremejeff
Greece Super League 1 01/09/24
D
Athens Kallithea
2
Panathinaikos
2
UEFA Conference League Qualifying 29/08/24
W
Lens
0
Panathinaikos
2
Greece Super League 1 25/08/24
W
Levadiakos
0
Panathinaikos
1
UEFA Conference League Qualifying 22/08/24
L
Lens
2
Panathinaikos
1
Greece Super League 1 18/08/24
L
Asteras Tripolis
1
Panathinaikos
0
Player to watch – Steven Berghuis
Ajax's 32-year-old attacking midfielder proved to be the hero in Greece last week, scoring the game's only goal.
Berghuis, who has been at Ajax since 2021, regularly finds the back of the net for the Dutch giants, netting 32 times in 121 appearances across all competitions.
Scored the only goal in Greece last week
Along with goals, the veteran midfielder offers creativity in this Ajax side and we're backing Berghuis to put in another excellent performance for the home side on Thursday, one which will help guide his team into the Europa League play-offs.
