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This is the kind of clash Brighton could only have dreamt of in years gone by. Now they’re hoping to complete the double against Dutch giants Ajax. The pair clashed a couple of weeks ago, a game that Brighton won 2-0 at the AMEX thanks to goals from Joao Pedro, who has just received his first Brazil call-up, and Ansu Fati. Yet it’s been Brighton’s only victory since the end of September in an awkward run of games.
Ajax, meanwhile, endured a hammering by fellow giants PSV that weekend, prompting the appointment of John van ’t Schip on an interim basis. Form has turned for the better, beating both Volendam and Heerenveen in their most recent league action.
There’s been a lot of chopping and changing for the hosts while the visitors rarely pick the same XI two games running. It means there is a lot to sift through ahead of this clash so we’ve helped you out, providing all the stats you need and our very own Ajax vs Brighton bet builder tips at the end. You can check out our Stats Pack Guide to ensure you take the most from the numbers in this piece.
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Ajax vs Brighton Predicted Lineups
Tahirovic may get the nod
John Van ’t Schip has overseen an improvement at Ajax and has kept the same XI in both games. However, league form is important and he could freshen up the side for this one with Devyne Rensch, Borna Sosa and Benjamin Tahirovic amongst those in line for opportunities. Chuba Akpom has had a decent start to life under his new manager but may have to bide his time given the quality of those ahead of him.
De Zerbi likes to rotate
Only three players have played 900+ minutes of their 15-match campaign in all competitions – Kaoru Mitoma, Lewis Dunk and Pascal Gross. The rotation has been key and we could see more on Thursday as Adam Lallana is unlikely to start two games in a week, Ansu Fati has started all three matches in the Europa League so far and Jason Steele is expected to return in goal.
Ajax vs Brighton Team Stats
Ajax taught they can, not Van ’t
It’s much better to judge Ajax on their last five matches rather than the 11 preceding that quintet, given the change in management and style. They have managed five or more shots on target in four of those five, but their one failure was at the AMEX. They have also conceded 12 or more shots in four. Corners are worth noting too – they have had five or more corners in four of those matches and three in each while conceding four in all five.
Chances galore in Brighton games
The most notable aspect of Brighton’s season to date is the number of chances and goals. Both teams have scored in 13 of their 15 matches to date this season, and though one of the two exceptions was Ajax, they host Brighton as a different animal. Meanwhile, they have managed at least ten shots in 13 of their 15 matches while conceding in ten in 11 of those. Keep an eye out for cards too – Brighton have collected two or more on 12 occasions already.
Ajax vs Brighton Shots and Shots on Target Stats
Bergs huis and wijn stepping up
One of the few good things about Ajax this season has been their Netherlands internationals in attack and they have stepped up under new management too. Steven Berghuis has had a shot on target in his last eight starts and three or more shots in six of those – he’s 1.91 to do the former and 2.30 to complete the latter. Bergwijn, meanwhile, has had a shot on target in five of his last six starts – he’s 1.62 to do so again.
Fati hungry to make an impression
Ansu Fati playing for Brighton is a tell-tale sign of how far the club have come and though his game time is being managed, he is thriving when given opportunities, having a shot on target in all four starts and in eight of his ten 20+ minutes appearances. Another name to keep an eye on is Lewis Dunk – he’s had a shot in eight of his 12 starts this season.
Ajax vs Brighton Goals and Assists Stats
Bergwijn and Brobbey in form
Steven Bergwijn has been a shining light for an improving Ajax side with eight goal contributions this season. He’s provided a contribution in six of his last eight matches but finds himself at 2.6 to do so tonight – a potentially juicy option for your Ajax vs Brighton bet builder. Slightly juicier at 2.63 are on Brian Brobbey, who scored last time out v Heerenveen and has contributed to a goal in his last three starts. However, it is worth waiting for team news before committing to a bet on the latter given Chuba Akpom rise to prominence.
Ferguson on fire but Pedro firing
Evan Ferguson is seen as the next major breakout star as far as strikers go and though he’s being held back by De Zerbi, he still has an impressive five goals in 6.8 90s from just 2.7 xG this term. Joao Pedro may be a slightly safer bet, mind. He’s scored six goals this season and is Brighton’s allocated penalty taker, which always helps.
Ajax Cards and Fouls Stats
Kenneth the disruptor
Ajax tend to dominate matches and as a result, there is less of a need for them to commit fouls. Midfielder Kenneth Taylor is doing his best to change that, committing a foul in his four matches under new management and two or more in three of those. Brian Brobbey, meanwhile, is taking the fight from the front having committed a foul in four of his last five and nine of his last 12.
Taylor could find himself up against Joao Pedro, who enjoys dropping off the front to link the play. The Brazilian has been fouled over three times per 90 in all competitions, including being fouled in six of his last seven, twice or more in five of those and four or more in four. Elsewhere, Joel Veltman has been fouled in all eight of his starts and Kaoru Mitoma has been in 13 of his 15 matches.
Brighton Cards and Fouls Stats
Veltman a near-banker to foul against old club
Joel Veltman doesn’t just draw fouls, he commits them too. The versatile defender has fouled an opponent in 11 of his 13 matches this season. He’s not the only dirty dog, Pascal Gross has committed a foul in eight of 12 games while Lewis Dunk and Kaoru Mitoma picks up a booking roughly once every three to four games.
Dunk and Veltman are particularly notable given the Ajax attack is sharp and technical. Brobbey has been fouled in 11 of his last 13 starts, Bergwijn in ten of his last 11 starts and Berghuis in seven of his last nine starts. It’s likely they’ll be on the end of more against Brighton. Elsewhere, Devyne Rensch may get the nod – he has been fouled in eight of nine starts so far.
Ajax vs Brighton Key Matchups
Devyne Rensch vs Kaoru Mitoma
Steven Bergwijn vs Joel Veltman
Benjamin Tahirovic vs Pascal Gross
Kenneth Taylor vs Joao Pedro
Ajax vs Brighton Bet Builder Tips and Picks of the Pack
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Ajax vs Brighton
9th November
kick off 17:45Brighton have seen both teams score in 13 of 15 matches.
Ajax have seen both teams score in 11 of 16 matches.
Over 3.5 Brighton corners
Brighton have had five or more corners in all three Europa League games.
Brighton have had four or more corners in nine of 14 matches.
Ajax have conceded four or more corners in their last five matches.
Ansu Fati 1+ shots on targetFati is averaging 1.75 shots on target per game.
Fati has had a shot on target in all four starts and in eight of ten 20+ minute appearances.
Joel Veltman 1+ foulsJoel Veltman has committed a foul in 11 of 13 matches.
Left-winger Steven Bergwijn has drawn a foul in ten of 11 starts.
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