Ajax v Besiktas

Ajax vs Besiktas Preview

Ajax had to make do with just a point in a 1-1 draw away from home at Go Ahead on the weekend in the Dutch top flight action, while Besiktas claimed all three points by way of a 2-1 home win against Eyupspor in the Turkish Super Lig on the weekend which in turn extended their unbeaten run to 12 matches in all competitions.

Prior to their disappointing 1-1 stalemate on the road at Go Ahead, Ajax had recorded three wins on the trot which saw the Dutch giants collect victories against Jagiellonia Bialystok in a 7-1 romp in the play-offs of the Europa League, along with inflicting a 5-0 thumping upon Fortuna Sittard in the Dutch Eredivisie.

Indeed, results overall have been impressive from Ajax who have slipped to just the single defeat within their previous 14 games overall in all competitions which came in the form of a 2-1 loss away from home at NAC Breda in the Eredivisie, but the hosts have also captured 12 wins within their last 14 games overall as well.

Results on home soil at their Johan Cruijff Arena have been even more impressive as Frank Farioli's side have strung together nine wins on the trot which includes wins in the Europa League qualifiers against the likes of Vojvodina, Panathinaikos (on penalties) and Jagiellonia Bialystok.

Besiktas will also head into this upcoming encounter in Amsterdam on Thursday night in confident mood as the Turkish visitors have put together a solid and impressive looking 12-match unbeaten sequence in all competitions which consists of nine wins and three draws.

Besiktas safely navigated their way past Swiss outfit Lugano in the play-off stage to reach the league phase of this season's Europa League but the Turks were given a scare in the 1st leg as they were held to a 3-3 draw away from home, but then prevailed 5-1 in the 2nd leg at home to secure a decisive 8-4 win on aggregate.

It's worth mentioning though that Besiktas have registered only three wins on the road within their recent nine wins overall which included wins on the road at Galatasaray and Samsunspor in the Turkish Super Lig but these have been the visitors' only highlights in their previous 11 outings on the road in all competitions.

On the Europa League front, Besiktas have really struggled on their travels as the Turkish outfit have managed to capture just one win in their last nine outings on the road which also includes slipping to five defeats as well, but having scored in 15 of their last 17 away games at this level, the goals market looks appealing here.

Ajax v Besiktas Verdict

Both Ajax and Besiktas bring promising form into this Europa League tie and both should score in an entertaining game.

Therefore, our main bet will be BTTS Yes @ 1.61

Other side bets worth considering:

Draw @ 3.75

Correct Score: 1-1 @ 7.00