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The Johan Cruijff ArenA will host an exciting Europa League match on Thursday, January 30, 2025, as Ajax take on Galatasaray. The Turkish giants aim to maintain their unbeaten record in the competition, while the Dutch side looks to bounce back after a surprising loss in their last outing.

Both teams have qualified for the knockout round playoffs, but a victory for Galatasaray could secure automatic qualification for the last 16.

Team Analysis

Ajax

Ajax have struggled to maintain consistency, though they are practically assured of a playoff spot with 10 points in the group stage. They head into this fixture after a disappointing 1-0 loss to Rigas Futbola Skola, one of the biggest surprises of the Europa League this season.

Current Form:

• Last 5 matches: 3 wins, 2 losses
• Recent match: 1-0 loss to Rigas Futbola Skola

Key Players:

• Kenneth Taylor: A consistent performer with three Europa League goals, including one match-opener.
• Mika Godts: Another joint top-scorer for Ajax in the Europa League with three goals.

Injuries and Suspensions:

• Branco van den Boomen is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
• Left-back Owen Wijndal remains a doubt due to a knock.
• Benjamin Tahirovic has not played since November following a head injury.

Home Form: Ajax have been strong at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, with two wins and one loss in the Europa League this season. They are currently on a three-match home winning streak across all competitions.

Galatasaray

Galatasaray have enjoyed an excellent Europa League campaign, remaining unbeaten across seven matches. Sitting in ninth place with 13 points, they aim to break into the top eight for automatic progression to the last 16. They come into this game following a thrilling 3-3 draw against Dynamo Kyiv.

Current Form:

• Last 5 matches: 3 wins, 2 draws
• Recent match: 3-3 draw with Dynamo Kyiv

Key Players:

• Victor Osimhen: The Nigerian forward has been a standout, with four Europa League goals and 16 in all competitions this season.
• Yunus Akgün: The competition’s joint top-scorer in 2024-25 with five goals.

Injuries and Suspensions:

• Hakim Ziyech will miss the match due to personal reasons.
• Mauro Icardi remains sidelined with a knee injury.
• Osimhen will carry the bulk of the attacking responsibilities in the absence of other key forwards.

Away Form: Galatasaray are unbeaten away from home in the Europa League this season, with three consecutive draws. They also boast an 11-match unbeaten streak on the road across all competitions.

Head-to-Head and Key Stats

• Last meeting: Galatasaray defeated Ajax 2-1 in January 2014.
• Ajax have scored eight goals in their last six matches, conceding four.
• Galatasaray have scored 11 and conceded eight in their previous six games.

Prediction

Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Ajax 1-2 Galatasaray

With Galatasaray’s unbeaten run and Victor Osimhen in red-hot form, they are slight favourites for this clash. Ajax’s strong home record suggests they will provide stern competition, but Galatasaray’s attacking quality could secure a narrow win.

Betting Tips

• Both Teams to Score: Yes
  Both teams have been consistent in front of goal this season.
• Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over
  Galatasaray’s recent matches have been high-scoring affairs.
• Anytime Goalscorer: Victor Osimhen
  The Nigerian forward is in excellent form and could add to his Europa League tally.

Possible Lineups

Ajax (4-3-3):
Pasveer; Gaaei, Sutalo, Rugani, Baas; Fitz-Jim, Henderson, Taylor; Traore, Godts, Akpom

Galatasaray (4-2-3-1):
Muslera; Ayhan, Sanchez, Bardakci, Jakobs; Torreira, Kutlu; Yilmaz, Mertens, Akgun; Osimhen

Hot Stat:

Galatasaray have scored in all seven Europa League matches this season, showcasing their attacking strength.

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