Ajax will make the trip to Estadio de la Ceramica for their UEFA Champions League clash with Villarreal on Tuesday, 20 January 2026.
View our free Villarreal vs Ajax predictions below.
Contents
Villarreal vs Ajax predictions: Cards expected
Key stats
- At least five cards were awarded in five of Villarreal's last seven matches.
- Ajax's last six games have all gone above the 3.5-goal threshold.
- Four of Villarreal's last six matches produced goals at both ends.
Correct score prediction: Villarreal 2-2 Ajax
Although Villarreal have been impressive in La Liga this season, they have been one of the worst teams in the UEFA Champions League, earning only one point from their six matches so far.
Like their opponents, Ajax have lost five of their six Champions League games this season, and we expect both teams' struggles in this competition to continue with a draw.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Ajax up against it
- HOME: 4/7 (1.57) – 63.6%
- DRAW: 17/5 (4.40) – 22.7%
- AWAY: 4/1 (5.00) – 20%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Villarreal's 2-0 defeat at Real Betis last weekend was their fourth defeat in six games across all competitions. The Yellow Submarine will turn their attention to the UEFA Champions League, where they have a 0-1-5 win-draw-loss record.
On the other hand, Ajax followed last week's disappointing 6-0 defeat at the hands of AZ Alkmaar with a 2-2 draw with Go Ahead Eagles last weekend. They are 34th in the 36-team UEFA Champions League table ahead of their skirmish with 35th-placed Villarreal.
Bearing that in mind, Villarreal are the expected winners at 4/7 (1.57). Teams with these odds usually have a 63.6% probability of winning.
Don’t forget to check out more of our best betting tips and predictions after you’ve dissected our Villarreal vs Ajax predictions.
Also, keeping in mind that at least four goals were scored in each of Ajax's last six matches, over 3.5 total goals has an appealing look at 11/10 (2.10). That one has a 47.6% chance of landing.
Most recent H2Hs: First encounter
Villarreal and Ajax will go toe-to-toe with each other for the first time on Tuesday. While Ajax have an 18-6-20 win-draw-loss record in 44 clashes with Spanish sides, Villarreal have a 6-3-1 record in 10 previous skirmishes with Dutch opponents.
Villarreal preview: No new injury concerns
As it has been in recent months, Logan Costa, Pau Cabanes and Willy Kambwala will not be in action for Villarreal this midweek, as both players are nursing injuries.
The Yellow Submarine have performed poorly in this season's UEFA Champions League, and it will take a miracle for them to get to a playoff spot even though they win their last two league phase matches.
Predicted lineup: Junior (GK), Navarro, Foyth, Veiga, Pedraza, Buchanan, Comesana, Parejo, Moleiro, Moreno & Mikautadze.
Last five matches
- Real Betis 2-0 Villarreal
- Villarreal 3-1 Alaves
- Elche 1-3 Villarreal
- Villarreal 0-2 Barcelona
- Santander 2-1 Villarreal
Ajax preview: Looking to return to winning ways
Ajax could miss out on the services of Wout Weghorst, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Steven Berghuis due to their fitness issues. Otherwise, there are no new injuries in the squad ahead of this trip.
Unlike Villarreal, Ajax, who have earned three points from a possible 18, have a realistic chance of finishing in the playoff places if they win their remaining two games.
Predicted lineup: Jaros (GK), Gaaei, Bouwman, Itakura, Rosa, Klaasen, Regeer, Steur, Bounida, Dolberg & Godts.
Last five matches
- Ajax 2-2 GA Eagles
- AZ Alkmaar 6-0 Ajax
- Telstar 2-3 Ajax
- Ajax 4-0 Seraing
- NEC 2-2 Ajax
Player to watch: Alberto Moleiro
Alberto Moleiro will look to return to scoring ways after drawing blanks in Villarreal's 2-0 defeat at Betis last weekend. The former Las Palmas midfielder has three goal contributions in his last three appearances and will fancy his chances against an Ajax side that conceded eight goals in their previous two games.