Ajax vs Galatasaray Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | UEFA Europa League, January 30, 2025

Ajax vs Galatasaray

• Competition: UEFA Europa League
• Date: Thursday, January 30
• Time: 08:00 PM GMT
• Venue: Johan Cruijff Arena

Ajax vs Galatasaray will occur at Johan Cruijff Arena in the UEFA Europa League on January 30. The 16th-placed team will host the ninth-placed team.

Following a sobering fifth-placed finish in the Eredivisie during the 2023-24 season, the Dutch giants Ajax are performing well as compared to their last season. They have practically assured their place in the top 24 in the UEFA Europa League. As of now, they have played seven games in which they have obtained 10 points. They are sitting at the 16th place which means an extraordinary set of results would need to occur to knock the Eredivisie side out of the competition on the final matchday.

In their last continental future, they faced a shocking defeat to Latvian side RFS as they lost the game by 1-0. In the last five games, they have won two, drawn one and lost two games, they have won three consecutive home games and will look to extend their winning run at home in the upcoming fixture. The Dutch side does have a lot of quality but they will have to be at their best to get a positive result at home.

The Cimbom have tasted defeat in a competitive match on just three occasions so far this season, with two of them coming against Young Boys in the UEFA Champions League Qualifying.

They are unbeaten in the UEFA Europa League and will look to end their league campaign undefeated. They have dropped points and need to improve their defence to make sure they perform well in the knockout stage. The Turkish giants are placed in the ninth spot with 13 points on the table and have already ensured their spot for the play-off.

In the last five fixtures, they have won two matches and the other three ended in a stalemate. Facing Ajax away from home is surely a difficult task but Cimbom have enough quality on their side to get a good result which will surely boost their confidence even more.

On that note, let’s take a look at the team news for Ajax vs Galatasaray.

Ajax Team News

Ajax will miss some key players due to injuries. Benjamin Tahirovic, Amourricho Dongen and Owen Wijandal all are sidelined due to injuries. The rest of the players are fit and will be available against the Turkish giants.

Galatasaray Team News

Mauro Icardi is out of the season due to a cruciate ligament injury and Okan Buruk is doubtful for the upcoming fixture and will be assessed before the game. The rest of the players are fit and will be available for Galatasaray against the Dutch giants.

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Ajax vs Galatasaray Predicted Lineups

Ajax Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Remko Pasveer

Defenders: Anton Gaaei, Josip Sutalo, Daniele Rugani, Yuri Baas

Midfielders: Kian-Fitz-Jim, Jordan Henderson (C), Kenneth Taylor

Forwards: Bertrand Traore, Brian Brobbey, Mika Godts

Galatasaray Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Fernando Muslera (C)

Defenders: Roland Sallai, Davinson Sanchez, Abdulkerim Bardakci, Ismail Jakobs

Midfielders: Kaan Ayhan, Lucas Torriera

Forwards: Yunus Akgun, Dries Mertens, Baris Alper Yilmaz, Victor Osimhen

Ajax vs Galatasaray Head-to-Head Record

Both teams haven’t played an official game till now, they played two club friendlies. The first one ended in a stalemate and another one Galatasaray won.

Key Players to Watch

Jordan Henderson (Ajax)

Henderson is a versatile player who can play at various positions in the midfield. The Englishman is a trustworthy player who always does his job very well on the pitch. He leads the team by example and off the pitch as well he is a very disciplined and dedicated player. The Liverpool legend won several accolades in his career and now he is leading Ajax.

He continuously communicates with his teammates on the field and is physically robust. Despite not being in his prime he is still able to control the midfield. His performance against Galatasaray will be crucial for his team. In 17 games in the Dutch league, he has provided four assists till now and has an average passing accuracy of 86% per game.

Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray)

The Nigerian is an athletic, modern and strong striker who has a strong eye for goal. He is very direct and is pretty good with his hold-up and linkup play. He frequently looks to attack and create spaces, can receive the ball well with his back to the goal, has a good first touch and often runs perfectly.

His pace is one of the deadliest parts of his game, especially in transitions as it allows him to get ahead of his opponents, Osimhen’s ability to recognize space to exploit makes him a big trouble creator to the opponent team. In 15 Super Lig games, he has scored 12 goals and provided four assists. In five Europa League games, he has scored four goals till now.

Ajax vs Galatasaray Prediction

Ajax despite playing at home will surely face a tough challenge from the Turkish giants. This will be an exciting fixture for sure and for the first time, both teams will face off at a continental competition. Galatasaray are in good form and most probably they will win this fixture.

Prediction: Ajax 1-2 Galatasaray

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