RFS vs Ajax Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | UEFA Europa League, January 23, 2025
RFS vs Ajax Preview
- Competition: UEFA Europa League.
- Date: Thursday, January 23.
- Time: 8:00 PM GMT.
- Venue: Daugava Stadium Riga.
RFS vs Ajax will take place at the Daugava Stadium in the late kick-off slot in the Europa League on January 23 in the penultimate round of group fixtures.
The hosts will enter this game in 34th place with just two points from six matches. Qualification is impossible from this stage so they will play the last two rounds for pride. Their recent form has been mixed, as RFS have won two of their last five matches across competitions, but have suffered three defeats as well. They have scored nine and conceded five goals in this time, keeping two clean sheets. Their last match resulted in a narrow 1-0 win away at Zalgiris.
Ajax, on the other hand, are 11th in the table with 10 points from six matches. Direct qualification to the quarter-finals is still on the cards and they need to avoid defeat at any cost to keep them in the hunt. They have won three of their last five matches across competitions, securing one draw and suffering one defeat as well. They scored eight goals and conceded five, keeping two clean sheets in the process. They defeated Heerenveen 2-0 away from home in their last match.
On that note, let’s take a look at the team news coming out of both camps.
RFS Team News
Manager Viktors Morozs fielded a strong lineup in his team’s last competitive match back in December before the winter break. They fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat despite playing reasonably well and will look to avoid that.
The team will be without two players for the next match. Ismael Diomande (ligament) and Martins Kigurs (unknown) will miss out as they continue to recover from their injuries.
Ajax Team News
Manager Francesco Farioli fielded a strong lineup in his team’s last game as they secured a comfortable 2-0 win. The entire XI as well as the five substitutes that featured put in strong performances, and there were no new injuries or suspensions to report.
However, they will be without four players for the next match. Jorrel Hato (suspension), Amourricho van Axel Dongen (knock), Benjamin Tahirovic (concussion) and Owen Wijndal (knock) are likely to miss out as they recover from injuries.
RFS vs Ajax Predicted Lineups
RFS Predicted Lineups (3-5-2)
Goalkeeper: Fabrice Ondoa.
Defenders: Haruna Njie, Herdi Prenga, Ziga Lipuscek (C).
Midfielders: Roberts Savalnieks, Adam Markhiyev, Stefan Panic, Dmitrijs Zelenkovs, Lasha Odisharia.
Forwards: Janis Ikaunieks, Alain Cedric Herve Kouadio.
Ajax Predicted Lineups (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Remko Pasveer.
Defenders: Anton Gaaei, Josip Sutalo, Youri Baas, Daniele Rugani.
Midfielders: Kian Fitz-Jim, Jordan Henderson (C), Kenneth Taylor.
Forwards: Bertrand Traore, Brian Brobbey, Mika Godts.
RFS vs Ajax Head-to-Head Record
These two teams have never crossed paths in their respective histories before their upcoming fixture. This Europa League matchup will be the first-ever time RFS and Ajax will clash on the pitch.
Key Players to Watch in RFS vs Ajax
Janis Ikaunieks (RFS)
The midfielder has been pretty good for RFS in the Europa League this season and has produced one goal and one assist. His goal came from a very high 2.46 xG, and he will need to step up and convert his chances at a better frequency. He will also try and get on the assists sheet, with his previous one coming from 1.13 xA.
Mika Godts (Ajax)
The left winger has scored three goals and provided one assist for Ajax in the Europa League so far. His goals have come from just 2.08 xG, and he will look to keep converting at the same rate. He has passed the ball with an average accuracy of 79.5% and has also attempted four shots on target from 12 attempts. He will look to continue performing at the same level.
RFS vs Ajax Prediction
The hosts have failed to win a single game in the Europa League so far, while their visitors are competing to get into the top eight. Ajax will give that extra push in this game and should win with ease.
Predicted Score: RFS 1-3 Ajax
Where to Watch RFS vs Ajax live?
| Country | Where to Watch |
| USA | Paramount+ |
| UK | TNT Sports |
| Latvia | TV3 |
| Netherlands | Ziggo Sport |
| India | SonyLIV |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. When is RFS vs Ajax?
A. RFS will host Ajax at their Daugava Stadium in Riga on Thursday, January 23 at 8:00 PM GMT.
Q. Where can you watch RFS vs Ajax for free?
A. Fubo, Hulu + Live TV and DirecTV Stream will stream the match for free.
Q. What is the predicted score for RFS vs Ajax?
A. RFS 1-3 Ajax.
Q. What is the recent head-to-head record for RFS vs Ajax?
A. Thursday’s match will be the first-ever meeting between RFS and Ajax in their respective histories.