Lazio and Ajax Face Off: Insights and Betting Suggestions | UEL 2024 Edition
It's Game Night! Ajax vs Lazio in the Europa League
Things are heating up as the Dutch giants, Ajax, sit at the top of the League Stage with 13 points from five matches. But their Eredivisie dreams are on the brink, with them currently fitting snugly in sixth place in the standings.
Match Information:- When: Thursday, 12 December 2024, 22:00 SAST- Where: Johan Cruijff Arena
Ajax's Current Form
Ajax was on a roll until a recent hiccup. They put together an impressive 16-match unbeaten run with 13 victories and three ties. Highlights from this streak included a 2-0 victory over Feyenoord and a 3-2 success against league leaders PSV. They entered their last Europa League match off the back of a 2-0 home victory over PEC Zwolle.
However, a disappointing 2-0 loss away to Real Sociedad with 2.04 xG allowed was followed by a 2-1 win at NEC Nijmegen in the league. A 2-2 draw at home to FC Utrecht saw them produce only 0.68 xG from 61% possession. Their most recent defeat came on Sunday, as they fell 2-1 at AZ Alkmaar, putting them a full nine points behind PSV in the title race.
Bet Now: Ajax vs Lazio
Ajax Team News
Coach Francesco Farioli has a few injury concerns ahead of this match. Expect striker Julian Rijkhoff and center back Gaston Avila to miss out. Midfielder Benjamin Tahirovic might be back after missing the last two weeks due to a concussion. Central midfielder Sivert Heggheim Mannsverk has an ankle complaint, while young winger Amourricho van Axel Dongen needs a late fitness test after picking up a knock. Forward pair Bertrand Traore and Brian Brobbey are pushing for starts in attack after strong showings off the bench.
Ajax's Motivation
Ajax are performing admirably in Europe, but their league challenge is struggling. With their focus shifting to the Europa League, they'll be aiming to win at home to bolster their position in the competition. They're just two points ahead of 15th place.
Bet Now: AJX 2.25 | X 3.55 | 3.05 LAZ
Lazio's Form
Lazio are having an excellent season, going into Matchday 5 of the Europa League on an incredible 11 wins in 12 contests, with their only blemish a defeat against Juventus. Victories over FC Porto, Monza, and Bologna were followed by a surprising 0-0 draw at home versus Ludogorets, despite outshooting them 20-3. A shock 3-1 loss followed at Parma in the league but they've bounced back in style, securing a 3-1 win in the Coppa Italia against Napoli and a 1-0 victory over them in the league just three days later.
Lazio Team News
Coach Marco Baroni will be without midfielder Matias Vecino due to injury. Left back Luca Pellegrini is an injury doubt, while fellow fullback Nuno Tavares picked up an injury late in the win at Napoli. Alessio Romagnoli also departed early in that match, with Patric stepping in. Pedro and Tijjani Noslin are pushing for starts in the front three if there's any rotation.
Lazio's Motivation
The Rome giants will hope to avoid defeat in Amsterdam at the very least, with a draw being a reasonable result. They have the capacity to play both on the front foot and defensively to eke out results if necessary.
Basic Soccer Betting Tips
Goalscorer Market
Weghorst at 2.80 or Castellanos at 3.00 or Pedro at 3.40
Ajax Amsterdam
James O'Connor is a skilled football analyst with a UEFA A coaching license. He previously worked for various clubs in analysis roles and currently writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League for Soccer betting. You can follow him on Twitter for more insights.
- Ajax, currently sixth in the Eredivisie, are focusing on the Europa League, aiming to win at home against Lazio to bolster their position in the competition.
- The odds for the match show AJX at 2.25, while a draw is priced at 3.55 and LAZ at 3.05.
- Lazio, competing in the Europa League's Matchday 5, are on a strong run of form, with 11 wins in 12 contests.
- If looking for goalscoring options, Weghorst at 2.80, Castellanos at 3.00, or Pedro at 3.40 might be worth considering.
- Ajax's striker Julian Rijkhoff and center back Gaston Avila are expected to miss the match, while Benjamin Tahirovic might return from a concussion.
- Lazio will be without midfielder Matias Vecino, and left back Luca Pellegrini is an injury doubt, but they have the capacity to play both on the front foot and defensively to eke out results if necessary.
