Our tipster expects last season’s semi-finalists to enjoy a comfortable evening on home soil against the Cypriots in Wednesday’s Champions League tie
Ajax face APOEL in Amsterdam on Wednesday night.
Last week’s first-leg fixture in Nicosia ended goalless and so victory for either side here will guarantee a place in the Champions League group stages.
The Dutch champions – semi-finalists in this competition last season – are warm favourites to win this one but Thomas Doll’s team will believe that they are capable of causing an upset.
Ajax vs APOEL latest odds
Indeed, Erik ten Hag’s men are available at just 1/6 (1.17) with bet365 to make home advantage count on Wednesday.
The Cypriots are chalked up as a 12/1 (13.0) shot to claim a famous victory whilst the odds compilers offer 13/2 (8.50) that the tie is level at the end of 90 minutes. A score draw, of course, would be enough to see Doll’s charges progress to the group stages.
Ajax vs APOEL team news
Ajax need goals and they have plenty of players capable of finding the net. Dusan Tadic has started the season in fine form with five goals in seven starts, whilst veteran striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has scored four thus far this term.
However, Quincy Promes, who joined Ajax this summer, is rated as doubtful. Moroccan defender Noussair Mazraoui is suspended after being sent off in Cyprus last week.
Ajax vs APOEL preview
Ajax are expected to frequently find themselves on the front foot in Wednesday’s return leg. Indeed, bet365 offer just 4/7 (1.57) that the hosts lead at both half-time and full-time in Amsterdam.
The odds compilers go just 8/15 (1.53) with that Ajax (-1) beat the handicap mark against the Cypriot champions.
Despite the stalemate in Nicosia last week, bet365 offer just 2/5 (1.40) that there are at least three goals scored in this game, with the 8/11 (1.73) quote for Ajax to score more than two goals potentially proving popular.
Ajax vs APOEL prediction
Ajax are big favourites to get amongst the goals on Wednesday night but value could lie in backing the Dutch champions to also turn in a disciplined defensive display.
APOEL have failed to find the net in seven of their last 10 Champions League away matches that they have failed to win and making their mark against Ajax in Amsterdam is undoubtedly a daunting task.
As such, it is bet365’s 5/6 (1.83) quote for Ajax to win without conceding that could offer best value. This selection that would have landed in five of Ajax’s last seven home wins in this competition – asequence started with a 4-0 win against APOEL five years ago.
Odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
Ajax to win to nil at 5/6 (1.83) for a 3pt stake at bet365
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