Schalke 04 vs Ajax match preview with expert advice and betting tips: Ajax hold 2-0 lead heading into Thursday’s clash

20:05 Thursday 20 April 2017

Simon Winter

Match Preview – 20:05 Kick-Off at The Veltins Arena, Gelsenkirchen

As I predicted last week, Ajax beat Schalke 04 in the first leg of their Europa League Quarter Final at the Amsterdam Arena last Thursday. In truth, the 2-0 scoreline flattered the visitors and Ajax will be disappointed that they didn’t put the tie to bed following their dominant display. Remarkably 9 of the players Ajax used on the night were under the age of 21 and those kids produced an electrifying attacking display in front of a rapturous crowd in Amsterdam.

Ajax followed up that win with a 5-1 drubbing of Heerenveen – that was the 3rd league game in succession that they have score 4 or more goals. Peter Bosz’s side have won 8 of their last 9 in all competitions, in fact, they have lost just twice in total in 2017.

Schalke 04’s miserable April continued at the weekend when they were beaten 2-1 by the bottom of the Bundesliga Darmstadt – the home side’s winner came in stoppage time to compound the misery for manager Markus Weinzierl. Schalke 04 have won just 1 of their 5 games so far this month and they have kept just 1 clean sheet in 8. Read our match prediction and detailed Schalke 04 vs Ajax betting tips below.

Schalke 04’s recent results:

Apr 16th 2017 Darmstadt 2:1 Schalke 04 - Bundesliga

Apr 13th 2017 Ajax 2:0 Schalke 04 - Europa League

Apr 8th 2017 Schalke 04 4:1 VfL Wolfsburg - Bundesliga

Apr 4th 2017 Werder Bremen 3:0 Schalke 04 - Bundesliga

Ajax’s recent results:

Apr 16th 2017 Ajax 5:1 Heerenveen - Eredivisie

Apr 13th 2017 Ajax 2:0 Schalke 04 - Europa League

Apr 8th 2017 NEC 1:5 Ajax - Eredivisie

Apr 5th 2017 Ajax 4:1 AZ - Eredivisie

Odds

Schalke 04 odds 10/11

Ajax odds 3/1

Draw 5/2

(Odds taken from William Hill)

Schalke 04 vs Ajax Predictions

Even though Schalke 04’s recent form has bordered on abysmal, they actually haven’t lost at the Veltin’s Arena since January, a run of 7 games in all competitions. Interestingly, Ajax only defeat in their last 20 fixtures came in their last European away game against København. Ajax are the talk of Europe right now and I’d imagine there are probably as many scouts from the continent’s big hitters at their games as there are actual supporters. I fancy Ajax to qualify for the Semi Finals, but they might have to settle for a draw in Germany.

William Hill’s odds of 3/1 for Ajax to win in Gelsenkirchen are very tempting given the events that unfolded in the first leg, but their odds of 16/5 for the game to finish the level and both teams to score looks a safer call. Another offer that caught my eye was William Hill’s enhanced odds offer of 8/1 for Ajax to win in 90 minutes and Davy Klassen to score anytime – that attacking midfielder scored both goals in Ajax 2-0 first leg victory.

Our Tips

Draw/both teams to score 16/5 William Hill

Ajax to win in 90mins/Davy Klassen to score anytime 8/1 William Hill

(enhanced odds offer)

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