Ajax vs Galatasaray prediction: EUROPE: Europa League – League phase betting tips on match 2025-01-29 20:00.
[p]While it would take an incredible amount of results to go against them to see them eliminated on matchday eight, Ajax are chasing a victory that would assure them of a place as a seeded side in the knockout play-off round. It could’ve been so much better for the Dutch giants, but three successive UEFA Europa League (UEL) defeats have ended their chances of securing a top-eight finish and automatic progression to the last 16.[/p]
[p]It’s their worst losing run in this competition since 2017, and one they’ll hope to end against Turkish opponents Galatasaray. Boss Francesco Farioli has managed two sides in Turkey and brings a wealth of experience, albeit without a win, against these opponents (D4, L1), but Ajax’s European record against Turkish sides should provide more solace (W11, D1, L1).[/p]
[p]Just a point outside of the top-eight, Galatasaray are guaranteed progression straight to the round of 16 with victory on the final day, whilst anything less will likely see them in the play-offs. Currently cruising to a 25th Turkish title, Gala travel to Amsterdam confident after a 26-game unbeaten streak in all competitions (W18, D8), albeit drawing over half of their UEL league phase games (W3, D4). [/p]
[p]Another stalemate in this trip seems unlikely if history is anything to go by as Galatasaray have played out just one draw in nine clashes against Dutch opponents (W2, D1, L6). Eight of those nine games came against PSV, while the only draw came against AZ earlier in this campaign, the first of three consecutive UEL draws ahead of this clash, two of which saw Okan Buruk’s men come from behind to avoid defeat. [/p]
[p]Players to watch: Scorer of three goals in the UEL league phase, Ajax’s Kenneth Taylor netted decisively in four of his last six scoring appearances in any competition. Firing on all cylinders for Galatasaray is Victor Osimhen, who has a stunning return of six goals from his last six appearances, five of which were from the penalty spot. [/p]
[p]Hot streak: Galatasaray are currently enduring their longest wait for an away win in the UEL (D5, L1). [/p]
[p][i]Written by Matthew Billon[/i][/p]