Ajax have the chance to end their last 16 woes in Europe when they host Eintracht Frankfurt this Thursday. The two sides will battle in Amsterdam for a place in the Europa League quarters and here we have a prediction of the match.
In the last two seasons, Ajax’s European campaigns ended at this stage. In the knockout round play-offs, Ajax lost 2-1 at home to Union Saint-Gilloise. However, that one goal scored in extra time was enough to give them the aggregate lead.
They won the next two matches, most recently beating Almere City 1-0 for their eighth win in 10 matches.
Eintracht Frankfurt started the season very well but lately are on a poor run. They will arrive for this match having lost back-to-back matches. It will be understandable that they lost to Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen; two very strong sides.
However, conceding four times in each of the two matches points to a poor side. Frankfurt managed just one win in their last seven matches, and that was against lowly Holstein Kiel.
They are winless in four away matches, two being defeats and in three of those four matches they conceded two or more. Defensively Frankfurt aren’t in great shape; in 12 away games in Europe they registered just one clean sheet.
Eintracht Frankfurt’s season is falling apart. The momentum they had picked and pressure in the title race is now fading fast. In their last two matches, they conceded eight goals and are left with just a win in seven matches.
Heading to Amsterdam, the Germans will be desperate to rise again, but they face a side in good shape. It will be tough for the visitors, Ajax having won seven of their last eight home matches. Our prediction for Ajax v Eintracht Frankfurt is for Ajax to win.