AJAX will be out to prove last season's semi-final appearance in the competition was no flash in the pan and looked a force to reckoned with again in their comfortable 3-0 win over Lille on Matchday One.
Goals from Promes, Álvarez and Tagliafico saw the Dutch champions cruise to the top of Group H and set them up nicely for a trip to Spain on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Valencia were enacting something of a robbery at Stamford Bridge. The Spaniards found themselves under the cosh for most of the game, before Rodrigo opened the scoring after 74 minutes. A Ross Barkley missed penalty with minutes to go ensured the points would go back to the Iberian Peninsula.
So with both sides on three points, a win for either would put them in a strong position at the top of the table.
The hosts have lost four of their last seven at the Mestalla in the Champions League (not including qualifiers) and have made a stuttering start to the season in La Liga, winning only twice. Although unbeaten at home they've won one and drawn three and they're already on their second manager of the season.
Marcelino was replaced by former Spain Under-21 coach Albert Celades in early September and they've only lost once, his first match v Barcelona, of the six he's been at the helm.
Ajax continue to lead the way in the Netherlands. They're unbeaten this season and top Eredivisie on goal difference ahead of PSV Eindhoven.
The Dutch impressed on the road in last year's run to the semi-final winning at the likes of Real Madrid and Spurs and claiming draws at Juventus and Bayern Munich so they've have little to fear from a trip to the side 9th in La Liga.
The bookies make Valencia the favourites but there's not much to choose between them in the odds. The Spaniards are a best 8/5 to win, while Ajax are widely available at 9/5.
That probably tells it's own story and I wouldn't be surprised to see this one finish level – a result that both sides would be happy with. The draw can be backed at 13/5 with Bet365.
On the goals front Valencia have scored in all but one match this season, while Ajax have found the net in every game so both teams to score could be worth a play, but not at 4/7.
One way to back the draw, with a bit of insurance is to be on the there being an even number of goals in the game (that covers you for any kind of draw and a 2-0, 3-1, 4-2 etc win for either side); you can double that with BTTS on a Bet365 Bet Builder for 15/8.
This UEFA Champions League match between Valencia and Ajax will be played on Oct 2, 2019 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Valencia vs Ajax prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
