Champions League – Ajax vs Benfica: Betting Preview

Benfica challenges Ajax at Johan Cruijff ArenA on Tuesday in the second leg of their Round of 16 meeting in the Champions League. Their first leg offered up a 2-2 scoreline after a thrilling match.

Ajax aim to take full advantage of playing on home soil, thus continuing their fine run. With five wins and a draw in their last six matches in the Champions League, they look well suited to keep the momentum going. They take on Benfica as favorites to see the next round.

Strictly speaking, results have not been impressive for Benfica lately in the tournament. Of the past six matches in the Champions League, they managed to win only twice. They faced defeat twice and still managed a surprising runners-up spot in Group E.

Ajax vs Benfica stats and analysis

Ajax enter into their next Champions League match, averaging a highly respectable 2.5 goals per game in their last 10 matches. They scored a moderate total of 25 goals, while also conceding 10 goals. That amounts to an average of 1 goal conceded per game, in which they kept their opponents from scoring 2 times.

Benfica are currently decent goalscorers, as they managed a bearable 13 goals in the past 10 Champions League outings for an average of 1.3 goals a game. Their opponents scored a total of 12 goals, and while the Eagles claimed 6 clean sheets, they conceded an average of 1.2 goals per match.

Facts and figures for Ajax vs Benfica in Champions League.

Ajax vs Benfica – Team News

Ajax might be looking at three missing players for their upcoming assignment against Benfica. Remko Pasveer, Maarten Stekelenburg, and Sean Klaiber are out. Mohammed Ihattaren is doubtful.

As for Benfica, the visitors are missing Lucas Veríssimo, Haris Seferovic and Rodrigo Pinho.

Predicted XI

Ajax vs Benfica Preview

Ajax Form

Ajax are enjoying their football currently with three wins on the bounce, and it began with a 0-2 win against AZ Alkmaar. They went on to beat RKC Waalwijk by 3-2, before also getting the better of Cambuur in a 2-3 victory.

Benfica Form

Benfica look well suited to take on any opponent presently, as their last three matches saw them gaining seven points. They ran out 3-0 and 1-2 winners against Vitoria de Guimaraes and Portimonense, respectively. Their winning streak came to an end against Vizela, who claimed a point in a 1-1 draw.

Ajax vs Benfica H2H

The most recent outing in the Champions League between these sides took place last month. The match failed to produce a winner, with the score reading 2-2 after the final whistle.

Ajax claimed two wins in their previous five matches against Benfica in the Champions League. The latter managed one win in these five matches against their coming opponent. The bookies’ best betting odds on a draw at full-time are at 5.25.

Full Time betting

Bookmakers offer prices on this upcoming match, whether you like to bet accumulators or singles. Analyzing the prices with the bookmakers, Ajax have a 72% chance of beating Benfica. That equals odds at 1.38 on the home side to win, while the draw is 5.60. One could also add the away win at 8.00 to a nice accumulator.

Top Champions League goalscorers

Darwin Nunez shows decent form right now for Benfica, as he scored 3 goals in the Champions League this season. The visitors need more from him, though, when facing Ajax, who are strong favorites on Tuesday. Siding with Sebastien Haller also looks like a nice prospect as he has scored 11 goals in his last seven Champions League matches.