Ajax and Brighton face off in the reverse fixture of their Europa League duties on Thursday. The prior matchup took place just two weeks ago, with Brighton earning all 3 points at home. Since then, Brighton have sputtered in their domestic flight while Ajax have recovered with back-to-back victories. Read on to access an expert Ajax vs Brighton Europa League match breakdown and learn about the latest Ajax fixtures and results.
- AFC Ajax vs Brighton & Hove Albion FC, UEFA Europa League
- November 9, 2023
- 12:45 PM EST
- Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Paramount+
Ajax vs Brighton Europa League Betting Odds
Ajax Amsterdam are not expected to return the favor at home and take back 3 points from Brighton, as they are currently lined at (+320). As odds-on favorites, Brighton are lined at (-136) at highly-rated online sportsbook XBet. This number is an indication sportsbooks believe Brighton will win at an implied probability of 57.6%. A draw is not a very likely outcome either, with a market-best price of (+340) at BetOnline.
Europa League 
Ajax +310 +320 +320 +320 +320 Brighton -137 -140 -140 -136 -136 Draw +340 +330 +330 +330 +330
To better understand the 3-way moneyline (1X2) market, see our soccer betting tips and learn about Europa League betting odds.
Ajax and Brighton Europa League Group B Breakdown
Group B in this year's Europa League features Brighton as the headline team. It was initially anticipated to be a tightly contested battle for the second qualification spot between Marseille and Ajax. And with three games remaining, this scenario could very well hold true. However, AEK Athens upset predictions by clinching a road victory at the Amex Stadium, adding an unexpected twist to the group dynamics. Athens, initially not considered a contender for qualification, not only disrupted Brighton's dominance but also emerged as a new challenger for Marseille and Ajax, intensifying the competition for crucial points.
Brighton stumbled with a draw against Marseille in their away fixture, leaving them with only one point after the completion of the first two Europa League matchdays. The pressure on Brighton to secure a victory against Ajax was felt strongly, but the Seagulls responded well with a 2-0 win at home.
On the other hand, Ajax engaged in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Marseille in a high-energy contest at their home ground, kicking off their European campaign. They later shared points with AEK Athens, maintaining an unbeaten record. After a tough loss at the Amex, Ajax are in dire need of a result to keep their European hopes intact. With such a close group, a draw may be viewed as a victory for the Dutch side in this crucial encounter.
AFC Ajax Fixtures and Results
Ajax has had a rocky year to say the least. Ajax's dismal performance reached a boiling point when visiting team Feyenoord swiftly seized a 3-0 lead at Ajax's home stadium. Frustrated supporters vented their displeasure by launching flares onto the pitch, leading to the suspension of the match after two failed attempts to resume play. The encounter resumed four days later, but behind closed doors, adding insult to injury as Feyenoord added another goal to complete a resounding 4-0 victory.
In the lead-up to the match's resumption, Ajax chairman Pier Eringa stepped down amid intense fan criticism, followed by the departure of director of soccer Sven Mislintat. The club currently languishes in the relegation zone, marking their worst start to a season since the mid-1960s. To revive their former glory, Amsterdam brought in former manager Louis van Gaal. Van Gaal previously helmed Manchester United and has taken on an advisory role. The ex-player aims to guide Ajax back to the European heights they achieved when he led the team to a Champions League trophy in 1995.
While pinpointing a singular cause for Ajax's struggles is challenging and unjust, some attribute their decline to the departure of Ghanaian star midfielder Mohammed Kudus. Kudus, a key attacking presence in the midfield, was sold in early August after a remarkable hat-trick performance in his final cap for Ajax.
Changing of the Guard for Ajax Paying Dividends
After an embarrassing loss to PSV in which they allowed 5 goals, change was apparent. Ajax had already sacked their manager Maurice Steijn after four straight losses brought them to second from bottom. Ajax promptly hired John Van’t Schip to run the club on an interim basis after the shellacking at the hands of PSV.
Since then, Ajax has played 2 games, outsourcing their opponents 6-1. Both games were at home, meaning players have been comfortable and in a groove, not having to travel for over a week. This mini-revival has shot Ajax all the way back up to 11th in the Eredivisie standings. Despite all their troubles, a win over Brighton would bring the Sons of the Gods level with Marseille at the top of Group B.
Ajax vs Brighton Europa League Prediction and Free Betting Pick
New managerial changes are typically profitable to bet on in the short term. Lineup changes may be quick to produce positive results, and players may be motivated to impress their new boss. I believe we are still in this “honeymoon” phase, as recent results seem to indicate Ajax is back to their usual dominant selves.
I think Brighton being odds-on favorites on the road is quite outlandish considering their poor showings of late. While it may feel ugly, the only side to bet on here is Amsterdam. I think Ajax will play with confidence and poise, determined to get a positive result in their manager’s first European contest. Bet on Ajax to get points at home at (+115).
Odds are accurate at the time of writing but are subject to change.
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