Europa League: Ajax vs Brighton Betting Preview

While the Champions League typically steals the spotlight, the Europa League also gives clubs across the continent to compete for another prestigious trophy. Just like the UCL, we’re into matchday four of Europa on Thursday and in Group B, we have a massive clash between Ajax and Brighton. The kick-off is scheduled for 12:45 PM EST. The Dutch side has yet to win a game in the competition and sits at the bottom of the pod. As for the Seagulls, they’ve gone 1-1-1 and could certainly use three points here if the Round of 16 is going to be a possibility. Below, we’ll preview the fixture and discuss the form of the two sides.

Ajax having a poor campaign

It’s well known that Ajax is typically the kings of the Netherlands. But, 2023-24 has been a much different story. The club is all the way down in 11th place in the Eredivisie, compiling a poor 3-2-5 record. In fact, before back-to-back league wins, they were winless in 10 games dating back to late August. Because of their atrocious form, Ajax sacked manager Maurice Steijn and hired John van’t Schip.

When it comes to Europa, it’s pretty clear de Joden won’t be progressing to the knockout rounds. While they did play to draws with Marseille and AEK Athens, Brighton beat them 2-0 on matchday three. Ajax has only scored four times in the tournament thus far while conceding six goals.

On a more positive note, it appears their new gaffer is steering the ship in the right direction. Ajax took down Volendam 2-0 on Thursday before a 4-1 dismantling of Heerenveen on Sunday. Steven Bergjwin and Brian Bobbey opened the scoring and Chuba Akpom netted a brace. Ajax has some much-needed confidence ahead of Thursday’s affair which is essentially a must-win. The side has a mere two points in Group B and time is running out of time to produce the goods. The hosts are a steep +300 underdog at 888sport.

Can Brighton get it done?

It’s new for Brighton to even be in Europe but they’ve held their own. Roberto De Zerbi’s men have four points from three games, losing to Athens, drawing Marseille, and securing a win against Ajax on matchday three. Joao Pedro and Ansu Fati both hit the back of the net at the Amex, giving Brighton fans a reason to cheer.

Domestically, Brighton is in seventh spot in the Premier League standings. Frankly, they haven’t been playing great football as of late, going winless in their last five outings. If it wasn’t for an own goal over the weekend from Ashley Young, the Seagulls would’ve lost to Everton at Goodison Park. Prior to that, it was another draw with Fulham and a defeat to Man City.

Pedro is the clear star for Brighton in Europa, already scoring four goals. In fact, he’s netted more than half of their goals through three games. But, Premier League clubs have failed to score in three straight visits to the Netherlands. Hopefully, that’ll change for the Seagulls on Thursday, who know this is a vital encounter for their Round of 16 aspirations. Brighton is a big favorite at all soccer betting sites.