Ajax enter Round 4 of the Europa League with a near-perfect record and will host a team from the very bottom of the table.
Ajax are finally starting to look like the team we remember and love after one of their worst seasons in decades. After barely making it to the League Phase of the EL, they now look like one of the big favourites to win it.
A six-win streak and a 13-game unbeaten run in all competitions is what they bring to the table, which should be enough momentum to break another one of the weakest teams in the Europa League.
Maccabi Tel Aviv are one of only three teams that lost their first three games in the competition. And neither of their previous opponents was of Ajax's class.
The only argument in favour of Maccabi's chances here is the fact that manager Zarko Lazetic decided to rest the majority of his top players last weekend. This decision resulted in a tough defeat but he will have his best squad available for Ajax.
How the bookies view it: Ajax to extend Maccabi's losing streak
We definitely expected Ajax to have an even greater advantage ahead of this game, which means that bookmakers did not rule out the possibility of an upset. Nevertheless, Betano gave Ajax 2/5 to win and 7/1 to the visitors. Alternatively, you can bet on the draw at 4/1.
Recent head to head: They meet 20 years later
While there are no recent H2Hs, the teams have played against each other in the past. Their two clashes date back to the 2004/05 Champions League season when both sides claimed a win at home. Ajax won 3-0 and Maccabi bounced back with a 2-1 in the reverse fixture.
Players to watch: Weghorst has found his place
Wout Weghorst's time at Manchester United and Burnley was unproductive but Ajax saw something in him and he has proven them right. The striker has scored four goals in eight games since the start of the season and we expect to see him in the starting line-up again.
Probable line-ups
Ajax: Pasveer, Rensch, Rugani, Sutalo, Hato, Fitz-Jim, Henderson, Taylor, Rasmussen, Weghorst, Godts
Maccabi Tel Aviv: Mashpati, Asante, Stojic, Shlomo, Davidzada, Kanikovski, Sissokho, Patati, Peretz, Shahar, Madmon
Anything else catch the eye?
Ajax's only misstep so far was the 1-1 draw away at Slavia Prague. It was an overall horrible performance that was further worsened by Baas' red card. Since then, however, the Sons of the Gods won all six of their matches, scoring 16 goals in the process.
Maccabi lost all three games to date by two goals but Ajax are looking like a team that can force a few more in their net. The team scored 3+ goals in five of its last six home matches in all competitions, including four against Besiktas.
We're definitely expecting slight rotations from the Dutch team because they probably don't think this is going to be such a tough clash to win. Still, we don't imagine the score will be modest at the end of the match. Nor do we see how the Israelis will manage to score without a penalty.
This UEFA Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv will be played on Nov 7, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Ajax vs Maccabi Tel Aviv prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
