Ludogorets vs Ajax Predictions, Tips & Match Preview

Ludogorets vs Ajax
UEFA Europa League Qualification
Date: 24 August 2023, Thursday
Kick-off at 19:00 UK / 20:00 CET
Venue: Huvepharma Arena (Razgrad).

Ludogorets host Ajax in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League playoffs on Thursday evening at Huvepharma Arena in Razgrad.

The Bulgarian outfit bounced back from the shocking Champions League elimination at the hands of Olimpija Ljubljana as they put five goals past Astana in the rematch of the Europa League third qualifying round seven days ago.

The team led by Ivaylo Petev are now looking at a very difficult fixture against Ajax who are massive favorites to advance from this tie.

Ajax disappointed their fans with a dismal campaign in the previous term of Eredivisie. They’ve sold important players like Dusan Tadic this summer, adding in Chuba Akpom (Championship’s top scorer from the last season and Benjamin Tahirovic among others.

They have, however, slipped up at the weekend, playing only a 2-2 draw away at Excelsior to ruin a positive start to the new Eredivisie campaign and a 4-1 drubbing of Heracles on the opening day in Amsterdam.

Nevertheless, we fancy Ajax’s chances on Thursday against Ludogorets who have suffered their second loss of the season in Bulgarian elite class on Sunday, falling 1-0 away at Cherno More.

Petev’s men now have three wins and two draws in five matches and are already seven points shy of the table-toppers with a game in hand on the rest of the league.

However, it is worth noting that Ludogorets have bagged three or more goals in four of five home outings this season across competitions.

Knowing that Ajax’s back line has been anything but impressive this summer, we would by no means be surprised to see the Bulgarians on the scoreline on Thursday.

Ludogorets vs Ajax Head-to-head

• This will be the first head to head meeting between Ludogorets and Ajax.

Ludogorets vs Ajax Prediction

Ajax have a much greater European experience and they should not have too many issues breezing past the Bulgarian rivals in this double-header. We like the 1.80 odds offered for the away win pick on Thursday.

Alternatively, we fancy the Over 2.5 goals FT bet at the 1.57 odds knowing that both teams have shown great attacking form at the start of the season.

• Ajax to win @ 1.80 (4/5)

• Over 2.5 goals FT @ 1.57 (4/7) odd.