A Look Ahead at Ajax versus Lazio: Insights and Wagering Suggestions for UEL 2024
Head-to-Head: Ajax vs Lazio
Get set for a thrilling showdown as the Johan Crujff Arena plays host to Ajax and Lazio on Thursday, 12 December 2024, at 22:00 SAST. This promising matchup features two powerhouses vying for supremacy!
Ajax: The Dutch Titans
Ajax currently tops the League Stage with a tally of 13 points, having conquered five fixtures. However, their Eredivisie ambitions are hanging by a thread, positioning them in sixth place in the standings.
A motivating triumph over PEC Zwolle, 2-0 at home, preceded a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Real Sociedad. Subsequently, Ajax bounced back, securing a 2-1 win away against NEC Nijmegen. The Dutch behemoths then faced FC Utrecht at home, drawing 2-2, despite dominating possession (61%). Sadly, their title hopes took a hit, plummeting nine points behind leaders, PSV, following a 2-1 loss at AZ Alkmaar.
Coach Francesco Farioli has cause for concern, as Julian Rijkhoff, Gaston Avila, Sivert Heggheim Mannsverk, and Amourricho van Axel Dongen face injury worries. Luckily, Benjamin Tahirovic has returned to training after recovering from a concussion. There's a possibility that Bertrand Traore and Brian Brobbey could start in attack after making significant impacts as subs lately.
Ajax are keen on quick recovery and aiming to revive their fading League challenge while focusing on Europa League success.
Lazio: Rome's Regal Giants
Lazio has been mesmerizing viewers all season, boasting a fabulous 11 wins in 12 matches, with their sole blemish being a loss to Juventus. They started Europa League matchday five on this admirable run, bagging a 2-1 victory against FC Porto. A 1-0 win against Monza and an impressive 3-0 triumph over Bologna ensued.
Despite looking unstoppable against Ludogorets at home, Lazio could only muster a draw, 0-0. A shocking 3-1 loss at Parma in the league did little to deter the team. They've since rallied, securing victory in the Coppa Italia against Napoli (3-1) and repeating their success in the league with a 1-0 victory against the same opponent three days later.
However, Coach Marco Baroni will be without Matias Vecino due to injury, while Luca Pellegrini, Nuno Tavares, and Alessio Romagnoli could miss the game due to injuries. Pedro and Tijjani Noslin may take the stage if there are any rotation opportunities.
Lazio is keen to secure a positive result in Amsterdam, striving to withstand any pressure from the home side. They've proven their stripes as a resilient team that can excel both offensively and defensively.
Caution: Not for the Faint-Hearted!
If you're seeking wagers for this titanic encounter, consider the following:
- Potential Outcome: Ajax vs Lazio could end in a draw (X) with enticing odds of 3.55.
- Goalscorer Market: Ajax's Wout Weghorst has been in inspired form and might bag a goal at 2.80. Lazio's Samuel Castellanos has scored 8 goals this season, providing a tantalizing option at 3.00, or Pedro, who's found the net six times this campaign (3.40).
- Action-Packed Finale: With both teams eager to attack, consider betting on both Teams to Score (BTTS) at 1.51.
- Combined Predictions: You might also opt for a safer wager by opting for Lazio's win/draw double chance in conjunction with Over 1.5 goals – both occurring at generous odds of 2.05.
- Ajax, currently leading the League Stage with 13 points, will square off against Lazio, boasting an impressive 11 wins in 12 matches, on Thursday, 12 December 2024, at 22:00 SAST.
- Ajax, despite dominating possession in their recent 2-2 draw against FC Utrecht, find themselves nine points behind leaders, PSV, following a 2-1 loss at AZ Alkmaar.
- Lazio, who drew against Ludogorets at home, will aim to withstand any pressure from the home side in their upcoming match against Ajax.
- Coach Francesco Farioli will be monitoring the injury status of Julian Rijkhoff, Gaston Avila, Sivert Heggheim Mannsverk, and Amourricho van Axel Dongen as they face potential fitness issues, but Benjamin Tahirovic has returned to training after recovering from a concussion.
- Lazio, without Matias Vecino due to injury, may opt to start Pedro and Tijjani Noslin if there are any rotation opportunities in their match against Ajax.
- Betting enthusiasts might consider wagers such as a draw between Ajax and Lazio, Wout Weghorst scoring for Ajax, or Pedro scoring for Lazio, with enticing odds available for each option.
