Ajax vs Olympiacos F.C.

Ajax [LLLWW] head into their final UCL league-phase fixture knowing that their fate is no longer entirely in their own hands. After losing their opening five matches [LLLLL], the Dutch giants have staged a late revival by beating Qarabağ [2-4] and Villarreal [1-2], keeping their slim hopes of reaching the knockout play-offs alive. Still, Fred Grim’s side begin the round 32nd in the standings with six points [2W, 0D, 5L], ahead of only four teams, meaning victory here is essential — and even that may not be enough without favourable results elsewhere. Encouragingly, de Godenzonen approach this decisive clash in strong overall form. They have lost just once in their last 12 competitive fixtures [9W, 2D, 1L] and are unbeaten in four competitive home matches [WWDW], including last weekend’s routine 2-0 Eredivisie win over Volendam. However, recent European nights in Amsterdam have been unforgiving, with Ajax losing each of their last four home UCL matches [LLLL] by either a 2-0 or 3-0 scoreline. Meanwhile, the head-to-head record is balanced across six previous meetings [2W, 2D, 2L], but de Godenzonen have never conceded in three prior home encounters with Olympiacos [2W, 1D, 0L]. Steven Berghuis remains a notable absentee for the hosts. A 4—3—3 formation is expected with Mika Godts, Kasper Dolberg and Oscar Gloukh forming a trident attack.

Olympiacos [LDLWW] arrive in Amsterdam with clearer objectives. The Greek champions sit 24th with eight points [2W, 2D, 3L] after a crucial 2-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen on matchday seven, occupying the final knockout play-off spot. Victory would almost certainly secure their progression, and they too carry momentum into this contest, having won three of their last four competitive matches without conceding [WLWW], including a narrow 1-0 league win over Volos at the weekend. The Erythroleykoi are also chasing a rare milestone, as they seek to win three UCL games in succession for the first time since the 2015/16 campaign. Away form in this competition remains their biggest concern, with just one win from their last 13 away league-phase matches [1W, 0D, 12L], though that lone success came in their most recent outing on the road. Injury worries linger for the visitors, with Alexis Kalogeropoulos, Alexandros Paschalakis and Theofanis Bakoulas sidelined. José Luis Mendilibar is expected to deploy a 4—2—3—1 pattern with Mehdi Taremi starting upfront.