- Team form: Ajax Amsterdam (W) have won 6 of their last 10 matches in all competitions (D3, L1).
- Opposition form: Brondby (W) are unbeaten in their last 10 in all competitions (W7, D3), but have drawn their last two games.
Ajax are on the up
Ajax Amsterdam (W) are the slight favorites at 2.12 for this second-qualifying-round UEFA Champions League clash against Brondby (W) on Wednesday, who are currently sitting at 2.87 with the draw at 3.9. Ajax are in fine form overall, winning six of their last 10 (D3, L1), while Brondby come into this game in very strong form, but after drawing their last two, they're running on slightly stalling fumes.
The hosts have won their last three games, including a 3-1 home win over AZ Alkmaar (W) and a 1-3 success at SC Heerenveen (W) last time out. Ajax are a possession-first team, with Anouk Bruil setting her team up to play a high-tempo game that is built on quick circulation, overloading the wide areas and an aggressive pressing game when out of possession. It's an approach that has come to fruition in recent results, where they have found their rhythm and are really starting to click.
Brondby will provide a tough test for Ajax
Tactical profile
Brondby will have a very different blueprint for European soccer. Niels Frederiksen has set them up to be a compact and structured side that will look to control the tempo, rather than dictate it, while their defensive discipline and ability to stay compact is key to their success.
They'll want to make it a scrap, and given that Ajax will want to pin them back and get them to play through their pressing traps, this could be a clash of styles.
- Brondby's scoring has been efficient, but not spectacular, with Agnete Nielsen leading the way with four goals in their last five games, giving them that sharp edge in the final third.
- The Danes have conceded an average of 0.60 away goals and have themselves averaged 1.60 goals per game, so they'll be confident of getting on the scoresheet and making a contest of it.
- The over 2.5 goals line is 1.48 here, but Ajax to win and over 2.5 goals appeals more at the same price.
Prediction and betting angle
Ajax will edge it on the odds and that's what we're going to go for, but Brondby's unbeaten record and the fact that they've been rock solid on the road (W3, D2) means that this will be a proper contest.
