Ajax vs Aston Villa Prediction & Betting Tips - Conference League

Prediction published on 07/03/2024, 10:00  by Nella Wagah | Modified on 07/03/2024 at 10:07 in Conference League Prediction

After coming through the knockout round playoffs, Ajax will be at home to welcome Aston Villa in the Conference League, last 16 first leg. Villa did progress by virtue of topping their group, but Ajax had to face off with Bodo/Glimt to book their ticket. A dramatic knockout round tie ended 4-3 in Ajax’s favor, the Dutchmen winning 2-1 in Norway after a 2-2 first leg draw. Ajax have had a mixed season, and at times their unpredictability has been a key strength. Their years of dominance in the Eredivisie are behind them and they are headed to a second season without the league title. A surprise win over the weekend however saw them hold on fifth spot, four points behind AZ. They beat Utrecht 2-0 with goals from Brian Brobbey and Ken Taylor in a game they finished with 10 men after Devyne Rensch’s sending off. In their current scoring run, Ajax will be confident of getting a result here. They’ve failed to score just once in their last 19 matches. eight times in their last 10 matches, they scored two or more goals and seven had over 2.5 goals. In 17 matches though, they managed just one clean sheet.

Aston Villa have dropped off the Premier League title race after their good start to the season. However, they still have high ambitions in this campaign, which includes winning a European title. With a top tactician in Unai Emery managing the team, Villa have shown great confidence to break massive barriers. A top four finish in the Premier League is well within reach but for now, the focus is on Europe. They warmed up for this encounter with a late 3-2 win over Luton Town, Lucas Digne scoring in the 89th minute to win the game for Villa. That was their third straight win and they head into this game optimistic of a fourth in four. Villa scored at least two in each of the three wins but will be hurt by the fact they struggle to keep clean sheets. In their last seven matches, Villa have one clean sheet. They’ve conceded two or more goals in four of their last five matches, and all five matches had over 2.5 goals. In their eight Conference League matches, Villa have suffered just one defeat. They have just one clean sheet in the last six Conference League matches though.