Two of European football’s most iconic clubs are set to collide in a blockbuster UEFA Europa League fixture as Olympique de Marseille welcome Ajax to the thunderous Orange Vélodrome. This match is a renewal of a fierce and fantastically entertaining rivalry that lit up this very competition in the 2023/24 season. Both former European champions will see this as a statement game, a chance to lay down a marker in a competitive group and prove their continental credentials.
The atmosphere in Marseille on a European night is legendary, and it will provide a formidable backdrop for this clash of attacking titans. Given the goal-laden history between these two sides, this is a fixture that no football fan or bettor will want to miss. This Marseille vs Ajax match preview will delve into the stats, form, and team news to find the best angles for this heavyweight encounter.
Marseille Vs Ajax match preview/Betting preview
Team Recent Form
Both clubs enter this crucial European tie in strong domestic form. Marseille have once again established the Vélodrome as a fortress, picking up consistent results in Ligue 1. Ajax, continuing their rebuild with a blend of youth and experience, have been scoring freely in the Eredivisie and look like a potent attacking force, setting the stage for an explosive encounter.
- Marseille: W-D-W-L-W
- Ajax: W-W-D-W-W
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key stats
Here are three red-hot statistics that every punter needs to know ahead of this game:
- History guarantees goals: The two meetings between these clubs in the 2023/24 Europa League produced an astonishing 13 goals, including a 3-3 draw and a 4-3 Marseille victory.
- Marseille are formidable hosts in Europe, going unbeaten in their last eight European home matches while scoring an average of 2.5 goals per game.1
- Ajax’s defence is notoriously leaky on their European travels; they have kept just one clean sheet in their last 11 European away fixtures, conceding a whopping 23 goals in that run.
Correct Score Prediction
My correct score prediction is a 3-2 victory for Marseille. This is a fixture that screams goals, and it would be foolish to expect anything other than another chaotic, end-to-end thriller. Both teams are philosophically committed to attacking football and have shown persistent defensive vulnerabilities, especially on the European stage. The recent head-to-head record is the biggest indicator of what to expect. The deciding factor, as it so often is, will be the ferocious atmosphere inside the Vélodrome, which should provide the Marseille players with the extra energy needed to outlast their Dutch opponents in a five-goal classic.
Marseille Vs Ajax H2H
The recent head-to-head history is some of the most dramatic in recent Europa League memory and provides a clear blueprint for what to expect.
- The two clashes in the 2023/24 group stage were instant classics: a 3-3 draw in Amsterdam followed by a dramatic 4-3 win for Marseille in France.2
- Goals are a near certainty; there have been Over 5.5 goals scored in both of the last two meetings.
- Marseille are unbeaten in their last three matches against Ajax (W2, D1).
- Prolific striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was the hero in the last meeting, scoring a match-winning hat-trick in the 4-3 thriller.3
Pre-Game Odds
The pre-game odds install Marseille as the favourites, largely due to their formidable home advantage and their recent dominance in this fixture.
- Marseille Win: 1.85
- Draw: 3.90
- Ajax Win: 4.00
(Odds are subject to change and are correct at the time of writing)
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Team News: Marseille
Marseille’s manager, Roberto De Zerbi, has a nearly full-strength squad but is monitoring a slight groin strain picked up by central defender Samuel Gigot. If he is deemed unfit to start, the formidable Chancel Mbemba is expected to partner Leonardo Balerdi at the heart of the defence. The attacking trio of Iliman Ndiaye, Ismaïla Sarr, and the evergreen Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are all fit and expected to start.
Team News: Ajax
Ajax travel to the south of France with a significant doubt over the fitness of their captain, Steven Bergwijn, who is struggling with an ankle knock. His absence would be a blow to their attack, with young Belgian starlet Mika Godts the most likely to deputise. The midfield will be marshalled by former Premier League star Jordan Henderson, whose experience will be vital in such a hostile environment.
Predicted Line-ups
Marseille Predicted Line-up (4-3-3):
López; Clauss, Mbemba, Balerdi, Merlin; Veretout, Kondogbia, Harit; Sarr, Aubameyang, Ndiaye
Ajax Predicted Line-up (4-3-3):
Rulli; Rensch, Šutalo, Hato, Sosa; Henderson, Taylor, Hlynsson; Berghuis, Brobbey, Godts
Marseille Vs Ajax Betting Tips
After a detailed analysis of this potential classic, here are my expert betting tips.
- Tip 1 – Result: Marseille Win
- Tip 2 – Over/Under 2.5 goals: Over 2.5 goals
- Tip 3 – Both Teams to Score: Yes
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