Ajax vs APOEL Nicosia
Champions League Qualification
Date: Wednesday, 28 August 2019
Kick-off at 20:00 UK / 21: 00 CET
Venue: Johan Cruijff Arena (Amsterdam).
Ajax vs APOEL Nicosia Preview, Prediction & Betting Tips
Ajax must be too strong for APOEL Nicosia at Johan Cruijff ArenA. The Dutch champions can record a big win in Amsterdam and progress to the UEFA Champions League group stages in style.
AFC Ajax Amsterdam Form & Team News
Ajax have stopped their three winning matches after a 0-0 draw against APOEL Nicosia in Cyprus. The Dutch champion had 66% ownership and created ample opportunities to score, but had to release his foot from the gas in the 80th minute when Noussair Mazraoui was sent off.
Erik ten Hag's side had a week off at the Eredivisie but without Noussair Mazraoui being suspended and injuring Siem de Jong, Carel Eiting, Zakaria, Hassane Bandé and Quincy Promes. We can see Perr Schuurs or Edson Álvarez replacing Mazraoui but there won't be much change in the attack.
Judges Ziyech, Dusan Tadic and David Neres will be supported by Donny van de Beek. This is a frightening front line, especially at home where Ajax have won six of their last seven matches in all competitions including a 5-0 home win against Emmen.
The Dutch side is expected to dominate APOEL so Ajax is a short price favorite with bookies at 1.16. Ajax in the handicap market -1 pays 1.53 and Ajax to win and more than 2.5 goals can be supported at 1.44.
Nicosia FC APOEL Form & Team News
The Cypriot champion advanced through little Montenegro, Sutjeska, 4-0 in the second round of Champions League qualification. Thomas Doll's side faced Qarabag in the third round, losing 2-1 at home but won 2-0 in Azerbaijan.
Argentine winger Tomás De Vincenti is APOEL's captain and scored two goals with one assist in four qualifying matches. He did not emerge from the bench against Ajax in the first leg but might be an option in Amsterdam.
APOEL has not yet started their title defense in Division 1 Cyprus and may struggle for fitness in the second round. Ajax must have a majority ownership that will use APOEL at the closing stage.
Striker Andrija Pavlovic has a hard time against the Ajax defense but must defend his place in front with Uros Matic. APOEL did not have a missing player but Reza Ghoochannejhad was not fit after joining on loan from Sydney FC. APOEL is an outsider away from home, with a price of 13.00 to win and 7.50 to claim a draw.
Ajax vs APOEL Nicosia Head to Head
These clubs previously met in the 2014/15 Champions League group stage. The first leg ended 1-1 in Cyprus with Ajax winning 4-0 in Amsterdam. The first leg ended 0-0 in Cyprus last week with Ajax enjoying 66% ownership.
Forecast
A clear prediction will be Ajax's victory to see them pass to the next round, which is the most likely outcome. However, when their opponents are proven in the first leg, they are not easy to break down.
Ajax's recent home record in the Champions League might also add to the home team's doubts. Expect the Dutch to win, with goals below 2.5 looking like a decent outside kick with 15/8 odds.
