Ajax vs. Aston Villa Europa Conference League Match Analysis
In the first leg of the Conference League Round of 16, potential tournament champions Ajax from Amsterdam will play against Aston Villa.
Match Preview
Ajax, after a challenging start to the season, managed to turn things around.
Currently in fifth place, they are no longer aiming for high positions in the Eredivisie.
In the previous round of the Conference League, Ajax narrowly defeated Norwegian team Bodø/Glimt in extra time.
They also secured a 2-0 victory at home against Utrecht over the weekend.
Aston Villa, under the management of Unai Emery, is competing for a Champions League spot next season.
With 55 points, they hold the fourth position in the Premier League.
Aston Villa finished first in the group stage of the Conference League, surpassing Legia Warsaw, AZ Alkmaar, and Zrinjski.
They also secured a thrilling 3-2 victory against Luton over the weekend.
Prediction: Ajax 1:2 Aston Villa
Aston Villa, having won four of their last five games in this tournament and scoring nine goals in their current three-game winning streak, are strong favorites to win in Amsterdam.
- Prediction: Aston Villa to win
On the other hand, Ajax’s last home defeat was against Brighton in the UEFA Europa League group stage match.
It will be challenging for Ajax to succeed in this match.
We anticipate a narrow victory for Aston Villa or a two-goal margin.
Aston Villa has seen both teams score in their last 5 matches, and they also conceded goals to AZ Alkmaar in the UEFA Conference League group stage fixtures.
Similarly, Ajax has witnessed both teams score in eight of their 10 games in 2024.
This suggests that both teams will score in this match.
- Betting Tip: BTTS Yes
Possible Lineups
Ajax: (5-4-1)
Ramaj;
Gooijer, Rensch, Kaplan, Hato, Sosa;
Hlynsson, Henderson, Mannsverk, Taylor;
Brobbey
Aston Villa: (4-4-1-1)
Martinez;
Cash, Konsa, Lenglet, Moreno;
Bailey, McGinn, Luiz, Tielemans;
Diaby;
Watkins