- AFC Ajax are 1.14 favourites to win, with Shelbourne FC 8.0 and the draw 8.0.
- Both Teams To Score is 1.65.
- Over 2.5 goals is 1.34.
Ajax in a league of their own
Ajax come into this game on the back of an incredible 5-game winning streak in which they have scored at will. They have come up against a Shelbourne side who've had a torrid time of late, so I'm expecting an easy night's work for the Dutch giants on Thursday.
In UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026, John Russell has brought a slightly more brave style of play to the Shelbourne team since taking the helm on 13 July 2026. He has maintained the compact, structured nature of his team, but has looked to open up the game by playing more direct and encouraging his players to play with more intensity in order to create turnovers.
Shelbourne have been struggling, losing three games in a row, and Ajax have already beaten them 3-1 in this competition, so the Dutch side can take all three points to the bank here.
Shelbourne’s sharpness is in Kelly
Shelbourne have won just once in their last five matches, and that's an issue when coming up against an AFC Ajax side who have won seven of their last ten matches, drawing two and losing just once.
Away from home in all competitions, Ajax have won two and drawn one, so they're unbeaten on the road, while they've scored 2.33 goals per game on average.
Shelbourne have won twice, drawn once and lost once at home in all competitions, but they've conceded 1.75 goals per game at home and Ajax will surely punish them for that.
Both Teams To Score looks a bit short, but Over 2.5 goals looks a no-brainer, with the likeliest result an Ajax win, so that's my primary wager, with a 3-1 style result looking very live.
Go for an away win and goals
Both of these teams play in a style that should suit the other in an ideal world, but the reality is that Shelbourne will be looking to get numbers behind the ball and look to counter-attack, while Ajax will look to press aggressively and suffocate the home side when they have the ball.
However, this can also work in Shelbourne's favour if they can get the turnovers and nick the pacey visitors. Daniel Kelly is Shelbourne's danger man, he's scored twice in UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026 and three in their last five, so he's got a spark.
Oscar Gloukh is Ajax's danger man, he's hit four goals in his last three in UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026 and looks in good shape.
