| Odds via 22bet | |
| Ajax vs Galatasaray | Wednesday, January 30, 2025, 21:00 GMT+1 |
| Ajax odds | 2.48 |
| Galatasaray odds | 2.48 |
| Draw | 4.02 |
| Over\Under | Total 2.5: 1.37/2.92 |
Ajax approach this match under pressure to perform. A 1-0 defeat against FC RFS in Latvia has cast a shadow over their Europa League progress, illustrating that while possession and historical reputation matter, underestimating smaller opponents can lead to dire consequences.
Domestically, the club has also endured setbacks: elimination in the KNVB Beker at the hands of AZ Alkmaar hurt morale, and scattered draws in the Eredivisie have left supporters craving the consistent dominance traditionally associated with Amsterdam’s giants.
However, there remain reasons for optimism. In the Eredivisie, Ajax are still within touching distance of league leaders PSV Eindhoven, thanks to a strong first half of the campaign.
Though not entirely consistent, they have showcased attacking flair in certain matches, particularly when players like Brian Brobbey, Kenneth Taylor, and Bertrand Traoré are on form. More crucially, manager Francesco Farioli has emphasized that the team’s philosophy of possession-based attacking football remains intact. If they can align that philosophy with defensive solidity, Ajax may well rediscover the kind of form that once made them a formidable force in European competition.
Farioli is known for fielding a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation, designed to exploit the wide areas through dynamic wingers or advanced playmakers.
The midfield typically sees Jordan Henderson as the deep-lying orchestrator, dictating tempo and injecting leadership. Meanwhile, the athleticism and technique of Kenneth Taylor helps Ajax transition swiftly from defense to attack. Kian Fitz-Jim, despite a frustrating miscue leading to the decisive goal in the defeat at RFS, remains one of the squad’s brightest prospects. His vision and passing range can unlock organized defenses.
Defensively, Daniele Rugani and Josip Šutalo often partner at center-back, providing a blend of experience (Rugani’s Italian background) and youthful potential (Šutalo’s physicality). The full-back positions are a bit more fluid: Anton Gaaei, Youri Baas, and sometimes Jorrel Hato compete for spots, with Farioli rotating based on fitness and tactical demands.
Devyne Rensch made a transfer to AS Roma last week, where he made his debut in the 1-2 victory against Udinese. As his replacement, Ajaz signed former Ajax player Youri Regeer from FC Twente by activating a €4.3 million buy-back clause. Regeer, who made eight appearances for Ajax before he moved to Twente, knows the club well and is expected to easily adapt.
While capable of building attacks from the back, Ajax must remain cautious against Galatasaray’s quick-strike counters.
Ajax predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Pasveer; Rugani, Baas, Sutalo, Gaaei; Van den Boomen, Henderson, Taylor; Berghuis, Akpom, Godts
Unavailable: Benjamin Tahirovic, Owen Wijndal
Galatasaray, for their part, enter this showdown as one of Europe’s in-form teams.
Sitting comfortably at the top of the Turkish Süper Lig, they have not tasted defeat domestically, reflecting a near-ideal mixture of consistency, star power, and tactical discipline.
Their 1-0 win over Konyaspor showcased their ability to grind out results even when faced with stubborn defenses. Manager Okan Buruk’s men have also shown they can score freely, courtesy of their formidable forward line.
Despite an impressive run, their European campaign has not been without hiccups. A 3-3 home draw against Dynamo Kyiv highlighted a slight vulnerability when trying to protect a lead.
Going 3-1 ahead, only to concede two goals thereafter, was a warning that no advantage is safe unless they maintain intensity. Still, the bigger picture remains bright: Galatasaray are well-positioned in the Europa League standings with 13 points, and their away form this season, including multiple league wins and a run of unbeaten fixtures, demonstrates that traveling outside Turkey rarely dampens their attacking intent.
Under Okan Buruk, Galatasaray typically set up in 4-3-3 formation, with an emphasis on controlling the midfield and rapidly transitioning to offense.
The midfield pivot often revolves around the partnership of Lucas Torreira and one of Berkan Kutlu or Kaan Ayhan, offering both defensive cover and forward thrust. Torreira’s relentless ball-winning and distribution is a crucial element, preventing opponents from building comfortable possession spells.
In advanced positions, Dries Mertens can operate as a classic No. 10 or as a second striker, roaming behind Victor Osimhen.
That Belgian creativity, combined with wide outlets such as Yunus Akgün or Barış Alper Yılmaz, means the Turkish champions regularly stretch and dissect defenses.
And, of course, the talismanic Victor Osimhen remains the key. His pace, movement, and clinical finishing have already earned him over a dozen goals this season, making him a constant threat to any back line.
Galatasaray predicted lineup (4-3-3): Guvenc; Ayhan, Sanchez, Bardakci, Jakobs; Torreira, Kutlu; Akgun, Mertens, Yilmaz; Osimhen
Unavailable: Mauro Icardi
Bet hereUltimately, success for Ajax hinges on finishing chances. They have created numerous scoring opportunities in recent games but have failed to convert them consistently.
If Brian Brobbey and Steven Berghuis can be clinical, and if the midfield cuts off Galatasaray’s supply lines to Osimhen, Ajax might claim a much-needed victory.
On the flip side, Galatasaray’s form and resilience cannot be underestimated. This game may hinge on who dominates the center of the park and whose star forward has the sharper finishing edge.
From my point of view, considering Galatasaray’s consistency and ability to dig deep even away from home, they look a slight favorite to edge what should be a tightly contested encounter.
Still, Ajax’s potential for a strong home performance keeps this match precariously balanced, promising 90 minutes of tense, end-to-end football.
Both teams boast attacking lineups brimming with talent. Ajax rarely fail to score at home, while Galatasaray’s front line, led by Osimhen, almost always threatens. Both teams to score stand out as an enticing possibility, given both squads’ offensive philosophies and the importance of three points.
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