Contents
- Competition: Europa Conference League
- Date: 6th August 2026
- Kick-off: 19:00 UK / 20:00 CEST
- Venue: Johan Cruijff ArenA
Thursday’s Conference League third qualifying round brings an exciting first-time matchup. AFC Ajax welcomes Shelbourne F.C., aiming to carry their dominant goalscoring momentum into Europe. On the other side, the Irish visitors enter full of confidence after safely navigating the previous round. Both sides are desperate to secure a crucial first-leg advantage in Amsterdam. Let’s dive into the possible lineups, team news, and top betting tips for this historic first meeting.
This is the first official meeting between the two clubs. Ajax wants to use their European pedigree and home-field advantage to secure a dominant lead. Meanwhile, Shelbourne aims to make history by capturing a vital away result to take back to Ireland.
Ajax team overview
Ajax enters this one on the back of a convincing 3-1 victory against Volendam in their final preseason encounter. The Sons of the Gods are in excellent form, winning both legs of their second-round tie against Vojvodina 8-2 on aggregate.
They have now won five in a row, including preseason friendlies, but without a clean sheet in four which raises some eyebrows. Michel's men have stabilized their home patch, avoiding defeat in three of their last four competitive home fixtures, including a hard-fought 2-2 draw against PSV towards the end of last season.
Forward Mika Godts is currently the main man, driving the team's tempo after scoring a vital goal and providing creative sparks during the previous European round.
However, the squad will have to manage their rotations carefully as the manager integrates new summer pieces like forward Tolu Arokodare and defender Caio Henrique ahead of a demanding domestic and European calendar.
Last matches of Ajax
-
FC Volendam
1 : 3
Ajax
Club Friendlies 1
-
Ajax
4 : 1
Vojvodina
Europa Conference League
-
Ajax
2 : 1
Burnley
Club Friendlies 1
-
Vojvodina
1 : 4
Ajax
Europa Conference League
-
Ajax
1 : 0
Olympiacos Piraeus
Club Friendlies 1
Ajax lineup
Goalkeeper
-
1
Diant Rama
Defenders
-
2
Devyne Rensch
-
37
Josip Šutalo
-
4
Jorrel Hato
-
13
Ahmetcan Kaplan
Midfielders
-
16
Jordan Henderson
-
8
Kenneth Taylor
-
28
Kian Fitz-Jim
Forwards
-
11
Mika Godts
-
23
Steven Berghuis
-
9
Chuba Akpom
Shelbourne team overview
Shelbourne enters this one on the back of a disappointing 1-0 domestic defeat away at Waterford. The Reds are experiencing a highly turbulent run of form, having lost their last two matches across all competitions.
This rocky stretch includes a 2-1 loss to Nõmme Kalju in their last European outing, though they safely advanced 6-4 on aggregate. John Russell's men have struggled significantly on their travels, enduring a frustrating six-match winless streak on the road.
Winger Daniel Kelly is currently the main man, carrying the attacking momentum after scoring a vital early goal in Estonia during the previous round.
However, the squad will have to manage without any assistance from star midfielder Harry Wood, who leaves a massive void following his permanent transfer to Stockport County.
Last matches of Shelbourne
-
Waterford
1 : 0
Shelbourne
Premier Division
-
Kalju
2 : 1
Shelbourne
Europa Conference League
-
Shelbourne
5 : 2
Kalju
Europa Conference League
-
Kerry
6 : 5
Shelbourne
FAI Cup
-
Shelbourne
1 : 1
Celtic
Club Friendlies 3
Shelbourne lineup
Goalkeeper
-
1
Conor Kearns
Defenders
-
2
Gavan Holohan
-
4
Kian Ledwidge
-
29
Paddy Barrett
-
3
Tyreke Wilson
Midfielders
-
6
Jarlath Jones
-
8
Mark Coyle
-
77
Rayhaan Tulloch
Forwards
-
11
James Caffrey-Byrne
-
10
Daniel Kelly
-
9
Sean Boyd
Prediction
Ajax comes into this first leg at the Johan Cruijff ArenA as clear favorites. Michel's squad should dominate possession and push the visitors back, keeping them pinned for long stretches. Still, Ajax’s defense hasn’t been perfect lately, so the Reds should get chances to break and maybe sneak one in. In the end, it feels like Ajax comes out on top, probably 3-1.
Four reasons we expect both teams to score in this game
- Shelbourne scored in all but one of their last seven matches.
- Ajax found the back of the net in each of their last ten encounters.
- Bets on btts-yes scored in five of the last seven games of Shelbourne.
- Both teams scored in five of their last six games across all competitions.
Main prediction Ajax - Shelbourne
Both Teams to Score
Best Odds: