Ajax are unbeaten at the Johan Cruijff Arena this season as they host Lazio in a very crucial game for their Europa League success. The Dutch giants have dominated at home thrashing Besiktas and Maccabi Tel Aviv but only sit sixth in the standings, narrowly holding onto a top eight spot thanks to goal difference. Lazio are fifth in the Serie A with ten wins in 15 games, now they will look to keep their path to the round of 16 clear with a win today.
In the Eredivisie Ajax’s form has dipped with a league loss to AZ Alkmaar and a draw against Utrecht. Also, the club has failed to win any of their last 12 home games against Italian opposition, with their last win being against AC Milan in 2010. Francesco Farioli’s men will now hope for a turnaround with some players returning to the squad, something that could see them defeat a hard to beat Lazio. Domestically Ajax sit in third with 33 points after 15 games, nine points behind league leaders PSV. But their league form has shown promise with them only conceding 16 goals, the joint second best in the league.
Lazio are currently second in the Europa League, three points behind Bilbao but with a game in hand. Now they head to Amsterdam aiming to regain their top spot as a win would put them over Bilbao on goal difference. Despite a 0-0 draw with Ludogorets in their last outing the Biancocelesti remain on track for automatic qualification to the last 16. Marco Baroni’s side is in good form after a double victory over Napoli in the league and cup but must address their inconsistent away performances with losses against Parma, Udinese and Fiorentina. A win today could be crucial for momentum as they met Inter Milan next in the Serie A.
Jordan Henderson is expected to return after a hamstring injury along with Devyne Rensch. Mika Godts may replace Chuba Akpom on the left wing while Sivert Mannsverk is injured and Owen Wijndal is serving a suspension.
With a full squad at hand Lazio welcome back Matias Vecino and Nicolo Rovella. Meanwhile, veteran Pedro and Tijjani Noslin are set to start. Taty Castellanos is likely to feature as he is suspended for Monday’s clash with Inter. Ajax possible lineup: Pasveer; Gaaei, Sutalo, Kaplan, Hato; Van den Boomen, Henderson, Taylor; Berghuis, Weghorst, Godts
Lazio possible lineup: Mandas; Lazzari, Gigot, Patric, Pellegrini; Rovella, Dele-Bashiru; Tchaouna, Pedro, Noslin; Castellanos
AJAX VS LAZIO
3.10
LAZIO - WINNER
