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MATCH PREVIEW

Ajax and Roma are set to battle it out in one of the most exciting UEFA Europa League quarter-finals. The first leg is scheduled for this Thursday and will be played at Johan Cruijff Arena. De Godenzonen have been almost impeccable there throughout the entire season.

They won ten and drew one of the last eleven home matches in all competitions. They picked up four wins in four UEFA Europa League games this year. It is an impressive record if we know Ajax faced the likes of Lille and Young Boys in the knockout phase.

There are thus numerous reasons for favouring the hosts in this first leg. Roma’s form is another.

La Lupa have been struggling badly to catch the right rhythm throughout the season and especially in the last couple of months. Paulo Fonseca’s men thus gave up the battle for the top-four finish in Serie A where they took just one point from the last three matches. It came on Saturday afternoon when the Romans only played a 2-2 draw to Sassuolo away at MAPEI Stadium.

PREDICTION

Both these sides swept through their Europa League round of 16 ties with ease, Ajax thrashing Young Boys 5-0 on aggregate, whilst Roma brushed past Shakhtar Donetsk 5-1 over the course of two legs. Ajax have enjoyed a wonderful season so far, with Erik ten Hag’s side having won their last seven matches in all competitions, racking up 20 goals in the process.

On the contrary, Roma have accrued just a point from their most recent three fixtures in Serie A and this Europa League first leg will prove a welcome distraction for the Italians. However, free-scoring Ajax look in irresistible form at present and have to be considered one of the favourites to win this season’s Europa League.

With home advantage in their favour for this first leg, the Eredivisie outfit should have enough quality within their side to pick up a narrow victory at the Johan Cruijff Arena.

Bet Ajax to win with AH -0.5.

Disclaimer: For reference purpose only. All above views expressed are those of the author and do not represent the views of ASAA88.