- Shelbourne have lost 3 matches in a row, against JK Nomme Kalju, Waterford FC and Ajax.
- AFC Ajax are on a 5-game winning streak.
- Ajax are 7/50 and the draw 7/1.
Shelbourne are on a slippery slope
Shelbourne FC have hit a sticky patch under John Russell since he took charge on 13th July 2026, playing a slightly braver but still compact style based around structure and quick breaks. They are on a 3-game losing streak coming into this one and are likely to be out of their depth against a rampant Ajax team, who are on a 5-game winning run.
Shelbourne's last 10 games across all competitions read a meagre 2 wins, 3 draws and 5 defeats, which is just the kind of form that Ajax need to exploit on Thursday night. Shelbourne usually sit in a low-to-mid block and try to spring forward at pace when possible, often through the wide runners or over the top of the play.
Shelbourne have 2 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss at home in all competitions, which has seen them concede an average of 1.75 goals per game. They do have a spark of pace through Daniel Kelly, who has 2 goals in 3 matches in UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026, which is the highest tally on the team and he is their best bet to cause a goal for the Red and White's.
Ajax are on a rampage
Michel took over at Ajax on 30th June 2026 and has wasted no time in installing a possession-based game with lots of organisation and pressing. The Dutch side look well geared up to control games in a 4-4-2 shape or a 4-1-4-1, using their pressing to suffocate teams and their passing and movement in the half-spaces to unlock the defence.
Ajax are unbeaten in 3 away matches across all competitions, winning 2 and drawing 1, and averaging an impressive 2.33 goals per-game. In Oscar Gloukh, the Dutch giants have their main danger man for this clash, the Israeli has 4 goals in 3 appearances in UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026 so far and looks unstoppable.
Ajax have already beaten Shelbourne 3-1 in UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026, so they have the upper hand in the head-to-head market. But the Irish side will have a better chance of nicking a goal or 2 on Thursday, as they will be compact and will punish any turnovers. The likely outcome is another Ajax win, but the value for them to do so with a few goals seems pretty high here, with Both Teams To Score set at 13/20 and Over 2.5 Goals at 17/50.
The style clash should suit Ajax, and if the away side can get through the Red and Whites' block early on, they should do all the damage. But it's a counterattacking game for Shelbourne, so they will have a chance to get on the score sheet if they can force turnovers. A 3-1 type outcome feels live here, with Ajax to win and Over 2.5 Goals the best betting angle.
