- Shelbourne have scored 12 away goals in 4 away fixtures across all competitions (average 3.00).
- Ajax have scored 13 home goals in 8 home fixtures across all competitions (average 1.62).
- Oscar Gloukh has 4 goals in 2 UEFA Conference League Qualification games for Ajax in 2026 (4 of their last 12 overall).
AJAX TO EXERT DOMINANCE AGAINST SHELBOURNE
AJAX are the clear favourites for the UEFA Conference League Qualification tie against Irish side Shelbourne FC, who will be looking for a shock win on Thursday.
Ajax are listed at 1.22 in the outright market, while Shelbourne are 7.03 and the draw is 7.03, making the Dutch giants the only selection we can confidently endorse.
Ajax's home record across all competitions in 2026 is W4, D2, L2 from eight and they should have too much for Shelbourne on Thursday.
The Shelbourne are still seeking their first away win after D2, L2 in four away fixtures overall. They have been more positive in their approach this term, so the Red and Whites could get some joy on the counter in Amsterdam.
The Shels won 5-2 at home to JK Nomme Kalju two weeks ago, but lost 2-1 away to the same side in the previous round before losing to Kerry FC on penalties.
SHELBOURNE CAN PUNCH ABOVE THEIR WEIGHT
The form guide is a little confusing for this match, with Ajax flying on the back of four straight wins, while Shelbourne have been less steady with two wins, one draw and two defeats in their last five across all competitions.
However, Ajax are undefeated in their last five with four wins and one draw and that is a steadier return than Shelbourne's 3-4-3 record across their previous ten matches in all contests.
John Russell has been in charge of the Shelbourne since 13th July 2026 and the club have adopted a very brave and ball-positive approach to their football under the former Derry City coach.
They set up in a compact shape, win their duels and press with discipline before hitting the flanks and getting bodies forward in transition.
MICHEL’S MEN PLAY PURE POSSESSION FOOTBALL
In contrast, Ajax have been playing a higher-intensity, more vertical version of their possession game since Michel took over as manager on 30th June 2026.
The Dutch side are highly structured in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation, pressing in waves to pin opponents back before making their moves and cutting open the opposition.
Ajax's style should prove more suited to securing dominance in this fixture, but Shelbourne's willingness to play with the ball and use their width should ensure that this is not a total procession for the home side.
Over 2.5 goals at 1.32 is the goal selection and both teams to score is 1.72, but we are still taking Both Teams To Score - No at 2.0 to keep the shutout angle in play.
Ajax have enough goal power to win this with ease, however, so our main selection is for the visitors not to score.
A confident Ajax win with goals looks the most natural selection for this first leg, with Over 2.5 goals and an Ajax win both fitting the script.
