Ajax vs Besiktas
28 September 1745hrs
Football – Europe – Champions League
Pick Ajax over 2.5 team goals
Bookmaker Betvictor
Odds: 3/5 odds taken 2000 GMT, Monday 27 September
It was contrasting fortunes for Ajax and Besiktas in their opening group games and the visitors know they have to start picking up points if they are to progress in this competition.
Table of Contents
Ajax Preview – Can Ajax take charge of the group by gaining a second consecutive win?
Ajax have not made it out the group stage of the Champions League since narrowly missing out on the final in 2018. That campaign which ended with an agonising defeat to Tottenham in the semi-final led to a number of that squad moving on for big money and the following two seasons have not had the same level of performance with two third place finishes and dropping into the Europa League with little impact.
This section looks more favourable for Erik ten Hag and his players who got off to the perfect start with a 5-1 win away to Sporting Lisbon on match day one. This match is another presentable opportunity to get three points and cement their place in the top two.
Sebastien Haller scored four of Ajax’s five goals in that game and he has provided a real focal point in attack since joining from West Ham in January. The Ivorian has also notched five goals in the Eredivisie and leads a prolific front line for the Dutch champions which also includes Dusan Tadic, Antony, David Neres and Steven Berghuis.
Ten Hag will know the importance of this game with the double header against Borussia Dortmund to come next in this section. But despite being favourites he will be taking nothing for guaranteed with just one win in their last five home games in the Champions League.
Besiktas Preview – Are the Turkish champions capable of upsetting hosts and going level on points with them?
Besiktas came out on top of the closest ever title race in Turkish Super League history last season and the early signs are they are going to have to work really hard if they are to retain that title this time around. Sergen Yalcin’s men are currently third in their domestic league – one of four teams split by just two points.
They come into this game on their worst run of the season having won just one of their last four games across all competitions. That run includes the 2-1 defeat at home to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.
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Although the score line suggests it was a close encounter Besiktas were second best throughout that game and it was a further indication of the difference in quality they face against these opponents compared to their domestic rivals.
Yalcin has been busy in the transfer market over the summer with a number of players who come with big reputations and the related salaries. Miralem Pjanic, Alex Teixeira and Michy Batshuayi have all arrived and have a lot of experience at this level. That trio will be crucial as Besiktas attempt to trouble their opponents.
Ajax vs Besiktas Betting Advice
Had this game been played on match day one then it’s unlikely that Ajax would be priced so short for this game. As it is, the strength of that performance in Lisbon combined with Besiktas being outplayed on their first game back in the group stages for four years mean the Dutch champions are readily fancied to collect the win here.
You have to go all the way back to 1966/67 for the last meeting between the two sides, it was Ajax who won both legs home and away on that occasion.
Key Facts – Ajax vs Besiktas Betting Tip
- Sebastien Haller scored four goals in Ajax’s 5-1 win away to Sporting Lisbon on match day one
- Besiktas won all three group matches away from home when last in the Champions League in season 2017/18
- The teams last met back in 1966/67 when Ajax won the home and away ties
I fully expect Ajax to get the three points and do so in style. Their forward line will have to much movement and power for this defence and they can hit at least three goals for the seventh time in their last nine matches.
Best Betting Odds for Ajax vs Besiktas
