Celta Vigo vs Ajax: Preview and Prediction

Celta Vigo vs Ajax
UEFA Europa League – Group G
Date: Thursday, 20th October 2016,
Kick-Off at 18:00 UK
Venue: Estadio de Balaidos, Vigo.

Celta Vigo and Ajax are both unbeaten after two matchdays and are the potential table toppers in Group G which included Standard Liege and Panathinaikos.

A 1-1 away draw against Belgian side St. Liege was backed up by a 2-0 home win against Panathinaikos gave Celta four points to stay at second position in the group.

While Ajax have defeated both Panathinaikos 2-1 and Standard Ligue 1-0 to snatch the topmost position in the group.

Celta Vigo vs Ajax: Head-to-Head Stats

The lone meeting between Ajax and Celta Vigo came during the 2003/04 UEFA Champions League group stage. The Dutch side managed by Ronald Koeman earned a 1-0 win at home but were defeated 3-2 in the returned leg. And this was Celta Vigo’s first ever win in a Champions League fixture.

Ajax remain to be Celta’s only Dutch opponent in a UEFA competition to-date.

At the same time, Ajax have played against Spanish clubs on 35 occasions and hold a moderate record of 14 wins, 6 wins and 15 defeats. In their 16 trips to Spain, they lost 10 time, while managing 5 wins and 1 draw.

Celta Vigo vs Ajax: Prediction

Celta have a good account of themselves in home matches. It was not long ago that they run rout against FC Barcelona at the Balaidos defeating them on a 4-3 margin. Home games remains key for Celta to progress beyond the group and we can expect them to eye all three points here.

Ajax had a turbulent start in their domestic league and were eliminated from the Champions League qualifiers. They have now grown in stature as the season has progressed. And are coming on the back of 9 consecutive wins since the exit from Champions League defeat to FC Rostov in August this year.

This have the making of an exciting clash if both managers choose to field their first choice eleven. However, Celta are slight favourites here, but we believe Ajax will spoil their day. Looking at the way the odds are placed for this game, it will be beneficial to back Ajax on a +0.5 Asian handicap.