As part of the 16th round of the UEFA Champions League, Ajax will face Benfica on March 16, 2022, at the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam. It will be a challenging match as the competition enters its third decade. It is likely that thousands of people will watch the game. For Ajax vs Benfica, we provide match predictions, previews, team news, odds, and betting tips in the following article:
Ajax vs Benfica Match Preview:
Ajax
After last week’s victory versus SC Cambuur in the Eredivisie, Ajax hopes to win again.
With 72% possession, Ajax attempted 25 shots with 10 of those on target. Goals were scored by Du*an Tadi* (three minutes), Sébastien Haller (for 40 minutes), and Ryan Gravenberch (for 90 minutes) for Ajax. As for SC Cambuur, they got six shots on goal, with three of those hitting the target. In the 48th and 79th minutes respectively, SC Cambuur saw goals from Issa Kallon and Patrick Joosten.
In their last 6 matches, Ajax has managed to score in every match.
A total of 12 goals have been scored during that period, while 8 have been conceded. Hopefully, that trend will continue on this site.
Benfica
Benfica and Vizela drew 1-1 in their last match in Portugal’s Primeira Liga.
They possessed 52% of the ball and attempted 22 shots, nine of which were on target. Benfica’s only goal came from Henrique Ara*jo in the 75th minute. While Vizela only had four shots on target from 20 shots, 20 attempts were made by the team. A goal was scored by Cassiano (65′).
Recent results for Benfica have been favorable for the team’s attacking abilities, with 12 goals scored in their last six matches. In 5 of these same games, Benfica was scored against. This does not hide the fact that the team needs to improve defensively as well.
Ajax vs Benfica Team News:
Ajax
The following players will not be taking part for Ajax manager Erik ten Hag: Maarten Stekelenburg (groin surgery), Mohamed Ihattaren (fitness), Sean Klaiber (cruciate ligament rupture), Jay Gorter (thumb injury), and Remko Pasveer (fractured finger).
Benfica
There are several availability concerns for Benfica manager Nélson Ver*ssimo. A leg injury, a torn cruciate ligament, and a ruptured cruciate ligament will keep Haris Seferovic, Lucas Ver*ssimo, and Rodrigo Pinho out of this game.
Head To Head:
From the data that we have, it appears that these two teams have met three times in the past several seasons.
Benfica has won one of the previous three meetings between the two sides. Ajax has won one of the previous three meetings. The other two games have been drawn.
At home, Ajax is performing exceptionally well, while Benfica is doing well away from home.
Benfica and Ajax have played 67% of their previous matches with BTTS occurring on average.
The average home point per game in the UEFA Champions League this season has been 3 points per game for Ajax and 2.33 points per game for Benfica.
Ajax vs Benfica Prediction
It is possible for Ajax to remain in control of this match for an extended period of time and they should also have the opportunity to convert some of their chances.
We do see Benfica as being dangerous at times, despite their struggles to break down their defense.
Benfica vs Ajax: Predictions & Odds
On Wednesday night, Benfica and Ajax will square off in the Champions League, and our Portuguese hosts will attempt to gain an advantage for the second leg, which could be tricky. With an excellent record of making the latter stages of this competition against the odds, Ajax is the favorite for victory in Portugal.
Ajax to Win
In the 2018/19 Champions League season, Ajax faced off against Benfica where the home side earned a 1-0 victory and the away side secured a 1-1 draw. Benfica is the underdog this week despite winning two of their last six matches while Ajax is unbeaten from their last six matches in all competitions.
Over 2.5 Goals
Both teams have played high-scoring games of late, and we expect goals in this match. Benfica scored and conceded goals in all six of their matches in the last five matches. As a minimum 3 goals have additionally been scored in five of Ajax’s last six outings with the Dutch club securing 5-0 and a nine-0 win at some stage in that duration so that you can see why we are predicting goals on Wednesday.
What are the best odds for the game?
According to the 90-minute result betting odds, Ajax is available at 1.4, taking the draw is 5.45, while betting on Benfica to win fetches you 7. The best bets at the moment would be to take Ajax at 1.4, draw at 5.45, and Benfica to win at 7.
Match information
Teams: Ajax Amsterdam vs Benfica Lisbon
Tournament: UEFA Champions League
Date: Wednesday, 16 March 2022
Hour: 02:00
Venue: Johan Cruijff Arena, Amsterdam
Team Focus:
Ajax
Formed: 1900
Stadium: Johan Cruijff Arena (55,500)
Captain: Dušan Tadić
Chairman: Frank Eijken
Manager: Erik ten Hag
Competitions: Eredivisie position 1, KNVB Beker (Final), Champions League (Last 16)
Star Player: Dušan Tadić
Dušan Tadić
Born in Ba*ka Topola, Serbia, Du*an Tadi* typically plays the Striker position. FC Groningen’s gifted forward made his debut in the 2010 – 2011 season and has made 25 appearances in the Eredivisie thus far in the 2021 – 2022 season, scoring eight league goals.