Ajax vs. Brighton: Europa League match preview

Europa League group stage season is nearing its end with just three rounds remaining, and both Ajax and Brighton are eager to enhance their standings at Johan Cruijff Arena this Thursday.

Ajax currently holds the fourth position in the table, having accumulated two points from three matches. On the other hand, Brighton ranks third with four points, having played three matches so far this season.

Ajax vs Brighton: When, Where, Broadcast, & Kick-Off Time
The match between Ajax and Brighton is set to kick off at 5:45 pm BST on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

The game will be broadcast live on TNT Sports in the United Kingdom. After the game ends, the club’s official YouTube channels will showcase the highlights.

Ajax vs. Brighton: Form Guide
Ajax are enduring a forgettable season, to put it mildly. The Dutch team has only accumulated eight points from their first nine matches in the Eredivisie this season, leaving them languishing at the bottom of the league table.

Despite ending a four-game losing streak last weekend with a 2-0 victory over struggling FC Voldenam, Ajax still have a long way to go to regain their form. Their European campaign has been equally disappointing.

In Group B of the Europa League, the Dutch giants have yet to secure a win, settling for consecutive draws against Marseille and AEK Athens before suffering a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Brighton in their away fixture. Ajax’s recent record against English opponents is equally disheartening, as they have lost their last five encounters.

Ajax: Previous 6 Matches

In contrast, Brighton has shown significant improvement in their inaugural European campaign. They fought back from a 2-0 deficit to secure a draw against Marseille and emerged victorious with a 2-0 scoreline in the reverse fixture against Ajax, thanks to goals from Joao Pedro and Ansu Fati, who has scored four goals in three Europa League games this season.

However, the Seagulls have struggled to secure wins overall, managing only four draws and suffering three defeats in their last eight matches across all competitions.

Brighton: Previous 6 Matches

Ajax vs. Brighton: Team Updates

Jay Gorter, Gerónimo Rulli, Sivert Mannsverk and Amourricho van Axel Dongen will not be available for Ajax boss John van ‘t Schip’s squad.

It appears that the de Godenzonen team may opt for a 4-3-3 formation in this meeting, and the starting squad could be as follows:

• Diant Ramaj
• Anton Gaaei
• Josip Sutalo
• Jorrel Hato
• Borna Sosa
• Benjamin Tahirovic
• Steven Berghuis
• Kenneth Taylor
• Carlos Borges
• Brian Brobbey
• Steven Bergwijn

Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi only has one fitness concern from his mostly full-strength squad. Julio Enciso will miss the game due to a meniscus tear.

From our perspective, The Seagulls are expected to play in a 4-2-3-1 system, with the potential starting XI below:

• Jason Steele
• Mahmoud Dahoud
• Lewis Dunk
• Igor
• Adam Webster
• Carlos Baleba
• Pascal Groß
• Simon Adingra
• Adam Lallana
• Kaoru Mitoma
• Evan Ferguson

Ajax vs. Brighton: Head-to-Head

26/10/23	Brighton	2-0	AFC Ajax	UEL

Ajax vs. Brighton: The Betting Odds

Ajax 16/5

Brighton 3/4

Draw 17/5

Brighton are the clear favourite, with odds of 3/4 at the UK’s leading sportsbooks. However, recency bias in the market isn’t factoring in the home advantage, Ajax’s turn in form, and Brighton’s current downtrend in all competitions.

There is too much betting value to play around on the home side, and although The Seagulls took the first meeting convincingly, they won’t hold a home advantage, nor do they enter this fixture with the positive form they previously owned.

Ajax vs. Brighton: Prediction
One of the leading trends in Ajax’s misfortunes this term has taken a positive turn since the arrival of their new manager, John Van’t Schip. He has started his tenure in Amsterdam with an unbeaten record, and this streak could continue against Brighton on Thursday.

In his first game as manager in early November, Van’t Schip ended Ajax’s ten-match winless run with a victory over Volendam. This triumph boosted the team’s confidence, and they followed it up with another win against Heerenveen over the weekend.

Considering Ajax’s minor resurgence under the tutelage of Schip, it is appealing to support them in the double chance market. However, it is also possible that the two teams could end up sharing the spoils. Brighton has had four draws in their last six games, with the previous two matches ending in a 1-1 tie.

Therefore, a solid option for correct score punters could be a draw, alongside a both teams to score punt for good measure.

Ajax vs. Brighton Best Bet: Both Teams to Score @ 4/9

Ajax vs. Brighton Best Betting Value: Draw @ 17/5

Ajax vs. Brighton Score Prediction: 1-1

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