Qarabağ vs Ajax

Qarabağ have exceeded expectations in this season’s UCL league phase, collecting seven points from their opening five matches [2W, 1D, 2L] to sit 19th in the standings — a remarkable rise for a team that finished 36th in last season’s UEFA Europa League. The Horsemen’s last outing in the UCL brought a 2-0 defeat to Napoli, but they have since steadied themselves with a three-match unbeaten domestic run [WWD], drawing 1-1 with Zira FK last weekend. Meanwhile, defensive frailties remain a concern, with Qarabağ conceding 2+ goals in four of their five league phase fixtures, yet their attacking output at home has been strong, scoring twice in both matches here [1W, 1D, 0L]. However, their confidence is further bolstered by a ten-game unbeaten home run across all competitions [7W, 3D, 0L], including impressive results against Chelsea [2-2] and Copenhagen [2-0]. On the flip side, history isn’t on their side against Dutch opposition, with the Horsemen winless in their five European meetings with Eredivisie teams [0W, 3D, 2L] and failing to score in all three such home fixtures [0W, 2D, 1L]. Their only previous encounter with Ajax came last season in the Europa League, when the Dutch giants won 3-0 in Baku. The hosts report no fresh injury concerns, although Kady Borges remains sidelined through injury. Gurban Gurbanov may opt for a 4—2—3—1 formation with Camilo Durán leading the line in the attacking third.

Ajax arrive in Azerbaijan on the back of consecutive league wins over Groningen [2-0] and Fortuna Sittard [3-1], a welcome response after their 2-0 loss to Benfica on UCL Matchday five. Even so, their continental campaign is hanging by a thread, having lost all five league-phase matches so far [LLLLL] to sit bottom of the table. Another defeat would mark six straight losses in a single UCL season for the first time in the club’s history. Feyenoord showed in 2017/18 that a late turnaround is possible, but de Godenzonen’s recent away form—just two wins from their last 11 competitive road games [2W, 5D, 4L]—suggests the challenge will be steep. Josip Šutalo and Steven Berghuis remain doubtful after missing the weekend action. Interim Coach Fred Grim is expected to field the trio of Mika Godts, Wout Weghorst and Rayane Bounida in the attacking line of a 4—3—3 formation.