- Form: Shelbourne have won just one of their last five matches, failing to score more than once in each of their last three.
- Form: Ajax have won their last five successive matches.
- History: Ajax have already landed a 3-1 win over Shelbourne in UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026.
Big mismatch at Tolka Park
Shelbourne enter the second leg of this tie on the back of a three-game losing streak in which they lost to JK Nomme Kalju, Waterford FC and Ajax. John Russell's side have now won just two of their last ten in all competitions (W2, D3, L5), with their home record reading just two wins, one draw and one defeat (W2, D1, L1).
Shelbourne do sit in a low-to-mid block and play a structured setup with a knack for nicking counters, especially out wide and down the middle of the field. However, AFC Ajax will be a completely different proposition in terms of the type of game that Shelbourne are used to playing.
Michel has been in charge of Ajax since 30th June 2026 and has quickly implemented his identity on the side, which is a possession-based style of play, complemented by an aggressive pressing game. They like to play in a 4-4-2 or 4-1-4-1 shape and will look to suffocate opponents with a half-space overload.
Ajax have too much class
Shelbourne are rightly a big underdog at 8.0 and the draw at 8.0 looks too short, with the hosts simply having too much to do. Ajax will likely win this game and as such, the most attractive wager looks to be Ajax & Over 2.5 goals.
Shelbourne have conceded 1.75 goals per-game at home, which won't be enough against an Ajax side that have won their last two games. However, the market looks too tight for both teams to score (No) and Over 2.5 goals (Yes).
A game for Oscar Gloukh
Form and scoreline
Ajax have won seven of their last ten in all competitions (D2, L1). A 3-1 correct score bet looks live here, as this Ajax side have too much in the tank to let Shelbourne off the hook if they can break them down early.
Shelbourne threat
However, there is a little more chance for Shelbourne to make inroads should they nick possession in transition, as their direct, fast attack can catch Ajax out.
Players to watch
- Daniel Kelly leads the way for Shelbourne in UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026 with two goals in three games. He also has three in his last five for the club, so he looks a good candidate to nick an important goal on Thursday.
- However, Oscar Gloukh is the danger man for Ajax, scoring four in three in this tournament so far.
