Thursday 26th November Kickoff: 2005hrs
Celtic v Ajax
Football – Europe – Europa League
When the draw for the Europa League was made back in September, Group A appeared to be between Celtic, Ajax and Fenerbache for the top two. Fast forward four games and the only team who are assured of qualification is Molde – a team who are currently mid-table in the Norwegian league. Both Celtic and Ajax desperately need a win from this game to ensure they have a realistic chance of qualifying for the last 32, however a win is something neither of the two have managed yet in this section.
The Europa League has been something of a nightmare for Celtic and their manager Ronny Deila, thus far. Two draws and two defeats mean they must win their last two games to stand any chance of qualifying for the next stage. It could have been so different for the Scottish champions had they managed to hold on to leads in Amsterdam and at home to Fenerbache, but as has been the story of their European season, defensive failings have been their undoing. Nine goals conceded thus far, the Hoops have been their own worst enemy as they continue to gift opposition team’s goals, making their job of taking points even harder. If they are to take six points from their final two games they will have to defend much better than they’ve shown.
It has been a frustrating time for Ajax in this season’s Europa League with three draws from their first four games. The Dutch side could easily have been in a better position had they taken a couple of wins from games they have shared points in, but, like Celtic, they too are now left with an uphill struggle. The Amsterdam club have found it difficult to convert a lot of their possession to goals – managing only one since they scored two at home to this opponent on match day one. That came away to Molde but consecutive blanks against Fenerbache has been their major undoing, and despite looking much more defensively sound – and scoring for fun in their domestic league – Ajax will have to become more ruthless in front of goal in this competition, starting with Thursday’s night game in Glasgow.
If it was not going to be hard enough for Deila as it is, the Celtic manager will have to do without a number of key players through suspension and injury. Scott Brown will be a long-term absentee whilst his midfield colleagues Nir Bitton and Stefan Johansen will be missing due to bans. Kris Commons (who has scored three goals in the Europa League this season) also looks set to miss out meaning some players who have underperformed for the majority of the campaign will have to step up to the plate. It may also mean a start for a couple of players who have been on the periphery.
Ajax have yet to to be defeated away from home in the Eredivise this season, but their only reverse in the Champions League did come on the road in Istanbul. Their other away game in this group resulted in a 1-1 draw with Molde and manager Frank de Boer will be hoping that his team can complete the set by getting that vital win against Celtic. If they are to take all three points on Thursday, it would be just their second win away from home in their last eight Europa League games. There’s also another seven failed attempts on their travels when you factor in the Champions League in that time.
Celtic v Ajax Betting Tips
‘Must win’ is a term that is banded around far too often in football but it most certainly applies in this instance. Celtic have often starred games well but failed to put together a complete performance for the whole 90 minutes which is why they sit bottom of Group A. Ajax, as evidence above, have not been good travellers in Europe in recent times and the lack of an out-and-out quality striker is perhaps one of the reason’s why.
The two last met back in September in a game that produced a lot of excitement, including four goals. Regular followers of Celtic – and regular readers of this column – will be well aware that goals are very much the norm when Celtic play in this completion, with the last games involving the Glaswegians in the Europa League contained 43. Incredibly, despite getting out the group stage last year, Celtic have not won any of their last nine games in this tournament, which is a pretty damning statistic for Deila.
Ultimately, there is next to no confidence in the Celtic defence when playing at this level and I can see that being the determining factor once again. I am not entirely convinced with Ajax but they are strong in midfield and with the absentees Celtic have to endure for this game, that will be a big advantage for the visitors and one that I believe will lead them to victory. Celtic have enough to get on the scoresheet and have managed a goal in their last six Europa League games at Celtic Park, so take the away side to win and both teams to score.
Ajax to win, both teams to score 17/4 @ Boylesports
