Ajax vs Marseille prediction 21/09/2023

• Date: 21/09/2023
• Competition: Europa League
• KO: 20:00 UTC +1 / 21:00 CEST
• Venue: Johan Cruijff Arena (Amsterdam)

The famous Johan Cruijff Arena plays host to a fascinating Europa League contest on Thursday as Ajax welcomes Marseille to Amsterdam. 

Ajax vs Marseille Betting Tips - BTTS

In a hugely competitive-looking section also featuring Brighton and AEK, Athens, Ajax, and Marseille get the group underway with a fixture that seems likely to produce plenty of attacking action.

The hosts come into this fixture in something of a slump, having failed to win any of their last three matches. Having lost their 2nd leg EL playoff against Ludogorets, Ajax were then held to a goalless draw at Fortuna Sittard before a shock 3:1 loss at Twente this past weekend. The Sons of the Gods have now won just one of their last five games, having also dropped points on the road at Excelsior.

French visitors Marseille have also struggled to find their best form in recent weeks. Marcelino´s side have also won just one of their last five games. Despite a 2:1 second-leg win in the UCL playoffs against Panathinaikos, Marseille dropped down to the Europa League following a heart-breaking penalty shoot-out loss. Since then, Les Phocéens have won drawn three and won one of four Ligue 1 games.

Given both teams' indifferent form, this is a tough match to call with much confidence. However, we can expect some goalmouth action, so BTTS looks the best angle for this EL tie. 

Ajax have seen BTTS in four of their last six home matches and looked particularly vulnerable defensively in their weekend loss at Twente. Marseille, for their part, have seen BTTS in five of their last seven away EL matches since 2018 and in both of their two most recent away fixtures.

With neither team defensively secure, I´m backing BTTS in what should prove an entertaining affair in the Netherlands.