Ajax vs Brighton prediction: EUROPE: Europa League – Group Stage betting tips on match 2023-11-08 17:45.
Itâs been uncharted territory for 28-time Eredivisie champions Ajax in recent times, with a pair of back-to-back wins only enough to move them off the foot of the table in the Eredivisie. But such has been the dismal start to their campaign both domestically and on the European front, they find themselves in a relegation battle and staring down the barrel of a UEFA Europa League (UEL) group stage exit.
Bringing up the rear in Group B, itâs getting towards ânow or neverâ territory for Ajax, but with eight successive winless outings against English opposition (D1, L7), the visit of Brighton suggests theyâre likely to head into the âneverâ territory. New boss John van 't Schip will hope he can arrest that run in his first-ever UEL game in management, and in turn secure Ajax a third successive home win for the first time in 2023!
Brighton are enjoying their maiden European campaign and can take a giant stride towards the knockout stages with a victory in Amsterdam. Their weekend result wasnât quite as positive, drawing 1-1 against lowly Everton, although after boss Roberto De Zerbi made five changes to that side from their game prior, itâs evident heâs trying his best to strike a balance between domestic and European exploits.
Perhaps thatâs a contributing factor to Brightonâs abject run of late (W1, D4, L1), although the sole win in that streak did come against Ajax, with the Seagulls winning 2-0 back in October. A repeat result would be welcomed in Brightonâs first-ever trip to the Netherlands in UEFA competition, not least because it would see them climb into Group Bâs top-two with just two games left.
Players to watch: Much-travelled Englishman Chuba Akpom spent time on loan at Brighton in 2017, and is in good form after rounding off the scoring in Ajaxâs last two victories. Responsible for four of Brightonâs six UEL group stage goals, JoĂŁo Pedro has seen all six of his goals this season arrive on or beyond the 30th minute.
Hot stat: The home side on the day has scored exactly twice in all three of Brightonâs UEL group stage games.