Champions League – Benfica vs Ajax: Betting Preview

Benfica go up against Ajax on Wednesday at Estadio da Luz. This is the first leg of their last-16 tie in the Champions League.

Benfica are somehow still alive in the tournament, although results have been far from convincing. Of the past six matches in the Champions League they collected 8 points and just 2 wins but still took second place in Group E.

To make a clean sweep by taking six wins in a row in the Champions League is a feat only a few sides manage to pull off each season. Ajax are of those teams, as they have swept all opponents aside to finish top of Group C with 18 points.

The Dutch champions are expected to have the upper hand, but Benfica will surely grab any chance they get to achieve the best possible result at home before they head for the return match.

Benfica vs Ajax stats and analysis

Benfica go into their next Champions League match, averaging a humble 1.3 goals per game in their last 10 matches, in which they scored a mundane 13 times while conceding 10 goals. That amounts to an average of 1 per game, where they kept their opponents from scoring 7 times.

Ajax are brimming with confidence in front of goal before the upcoming away match in the Champions League, as they can show off very handsome numbers from their previous 10 games. The visitors scored 2.5 times on average per match, for a total of 25 goals. They also let in 9 goals, leaving an average of 0.9 per match. They fought their way to 2 clean sheets.

Stats and facts for Benfica and Ajax in Champions League.

Benfica vs Ajax – Team News

Benfica face a list of 3 absentees from the squad ahead of their next match this coming Wednesday in Haris Seferovic, Lucas Verissimo, and Rodrigo Pinho.

Among the 3 players facing a spell on the sidelines for Ajax, are such names as Brian Brobbey, Maarten Stekelenburg and Sean Klaiber. Jurrien Timber is also a doubt after taking a knock at the weekend.

Lineup Benfica vs Ajax

Benfica vs Ajax Preview

Benfica Form

Benfica look well suited to take on any opponent presently, as their last three matches saw them gain seven points. They ran out 3-1 and 2-1 against Tondela and Santa Clara respectively. Their winning streak came to an end against Boavista, who claimed a point in a 2-2 draw.

Ajax Form

Ajax are in awesome shape going into this next encounter, as they won their last three matches on the bounce. Vitesse got left behind in a 5-0 win, before Twente got hammered in a 5-0 victory. Willem II was the most recent victim in a 0-1 win for Ajax.

Benfica vs Ajax H2H

The most recent outing in the Champions League between Benfica and Ajax took place in October 2018. The match failed to produce a winner, with the score reading 1-1 after the final whistle.

Benfica go into their upcoming match against Ajax with a 25% winning record in recent Champions League meetings. In 4 encounters, that amounts to a 1-1-2 record for the home side, as they amassed a win rate of 25% matches. A record worth keeping in mind before you make a choice for your next accumulator, depending on your betting strategy.

Full Time betting

According to the bookies, Ajax are favorites to win. The best price you will find on a home win is 4.35. If you wish to bet the draw, there are odds at 3.95 on offer, while an away win for Ajax pays out at 1.84.

Over/Under betting

Do not expect too much entertainment this coming Wednesday, when Benfica and Ajax face each other. Their last 4 matches were largely tight affairs, as over 2.5 goals only happened 1 time. Under 2.5 goals is best priced at odds of 2.20 with the bookies.

BTTS betting

There were plenty of goals galore in both sides’ group stage matches, so it could pay off to take a chance on the two teams scoring in Portugal.

Primary goal getter

With 5 goals in six matches, Darwin Nunez has been a regular feature on the scoresheet in recent matches, making him a tempting betting prospect, when going up against Ajax and their defense. The visitors hope Sebastien Haller adds another to his current tally of 8 goals in his latest matches.