SCHALKE v AJAX
Thursday 20th April 2017 – Kickoff: 20005hrs
Football – Europe – Europa League Betting Tips
Schalke find themselves playing catch-up in this Europa League quarter-final second leg as they trail Dutch side Ajax 2-0 ahead of Thursday’s decisive tie at their VELTINS-Arena in Gelsenkirchen, knowing they need to attack early on here.
Schalke were in commanding form in the group stages as they topped Group I with an eight-point lead over second placed Krasnodar, which was followed up with wins over Greek side PAOK in the last 32 and compatriots Borussia Moenchengladbach in the round of 16.
It’s interesting to note that Schalke have scored in each of their five home matches in this year’s Europa League and with goalscoring midfield trio of Bentaleb, Goretzka and Schopf (5 goals apiece) along with striker Burgstaller (6 goals), the hosts could yet stage a comeback.
Visitors Ajax seemingly have one foot in the semi-finals following last week’s 2-0 home win over Schalke in the first leg of this quarter-final at their Amsterdam Arena, and they now just need to avoid defeat in Germany this evening to progress to the semi-finals.
Ajax topped Group G by a five-point margin over runners-up Celta Vigo as they won all three of their home matches, along with a win on the road at Panathinaikos and draws at Celta Vigo and Standard Liege which saw them take the group with ease.
Of their five away matches in this competition so far, Ajax have scored in four of their matches on their travels, and as the hosts Schalke look to chase down a two-goal deficit, the gaps will inevitably open up for them to take advantage on the counter.
Pick: Both teams to score @ 1.67 Paddy Power
