Ajax - Excelsior predictions

Ajax are likely on their way to a decisive victory, and it’s hard to feel optimistic about the visitors’ prospects. Bookmakers are pricing a home win at 1.30, which is quite in line with most expert opinions.

The current perspective makes the situation straightforward. Given the superiority of Ajax and the 9.20 odds given to Excelsior to win, it is evident that a victory for the visiting team would be a shocking surprise.

Ajax are here on the back of a surprise upturn in the previous round. Despite going behind FC Twente in the first half, a solid late-game performance secured them a close home victory (2:1) which will have been a huge boost to their confidence.

Excelsior’s performance was quite impressive in their latest game against FC Volendam. The 4:0 victory itself may have been predictable considering they were the hosts in a favourable matchup, but the overwhelming success which they achieved it is worth noting.

The biggest issue the hosts have is a lacklustre backline. They’re currently on a bit of a trend of conceding a lot of goals – over 5 across their 3 previous matches, to be exact.

Excelsior are performing rather sub-par whenever they play away. For instance, they have more than 5 conceded goals spread over their most recent 3 away games.

The Ajax will be looking to repeated last season’s successes in this matchup – they have several consecutive victories on record, each with a decisive goal difference. They’re likely to do so, too – they are widely regarded as the clear favourites.

Before going for any betting predictions, we need to make note of the overall high number of prior injuries. Both sides have been hit: Steven Berghuis, Jay Gorter, A. Van Axel Dongen, Kristian Hlynsson, Jordan Henderson for the hosts, and Serano Seymor, Lennard Hartjes, Kik Pierie, Ian Smeulers for the visitors. Needless to say, this may impact the teams’ performance.

We can say with no small amount of confidence that this match will confirm the Over 2.5 Goals market. Both teams fit the bill for such a wager perfectly, so this is a very safe bet, offered at the odds of 1.44 at William Hill.