Ajax v Lazio

Ajax vs Lazio Preview

Ajax's mixed bag of results in recent times continued over the weekend as the Dutch side suffered a disappointing 2-1 loss away from home at AZ Alkmaar in the Dutch Eredivisie which became a second defeat in four games for the upcoming hosts.

Lazio meanwhile collected a second win on the trot in all competitions as the Italian outfit registered an impressive 1-0 win away from home against the Serie A leaders, Napoli, on the weekend and although Marco Baroni's side hit the road again on Thursday night, the visitors will be in confident mood.

Ajax had previously posted an impressive seven-game winning streak in all competitions prior to their recent stuttering form which included picking up important victories in the Europa League against Qarabag 3-0 away from home and inflicting a crushing 5-0 victory over Israeli outfit Maccabi Tel Aviv on home soil at their Johan Cruijff Arena.

However, the Dutch hosts have since experienced mixed fortunes in all competitions as they have registered two wins, been involved in two draws but have also been dealt two defeats as well within their subsequent six matches overall.

Sixth placed Ajax have won their last six European ties on the trot on home soil though and this will give Francesco Farioli's side plenty of confidence as they prepare for this matchday 6 clash.

Lazio have posted recent back-to-back wins against the current league leaders of Serie A, Napoli, by way of a 3-1 victory at home in the Coppa Italia along with an even more impressive 1-0 win away from home at the league leaders in the domestic top flight over the weekend as well.

Undoubtedly, these two victories will give the Italian outfit a welcome boost ahead of this upcoming trip to the Netherlands where they will take on Ajax at the Johan Cruijff Arena on Thursday night as the visitors look to maintain their position at the top of the Europa League table with a positive result.

The bigger picture shows Lazio have been handed just the single loss in their previous 11 matches in all competitions which came in the form of a heavy 3-1 loss away from home at Parma in Serie A but also includes picking up nine wins along the way as well.

On the Europa League front, Lazio have won four of their opening five ties in this campaign after disposing of the likes of Dinamo Kiev, Nice, Twente and Porto respectively but it should be noted that the visitors have managed to achieve just three wins from their previous 14 outings on the road in this competition.

Ajax v Lazio Verdict

There are compelling reasons as to why both teams look set to score here; Ajax at home and having won their last six European home ties on the trot, while Lazio have just beaten Napoli twice on the trot.

Therefore, our main bet will be BTTS Yes @ 1.53

Other side bets worth considering:

Draw @ 3.30

Correct Score: 1-1 @ 7.00