Europa League Betting: Ailing Ajax are on the road to recovery

Ajax v Jablonec
Thursday August 20, 18:00

Ajax's Champions League dream died earlier than usual this season, as they were surprisinglydumped out of the qualifying tournament by Rapid Vienna. That was a hammer blow to the Dutch giants, hot on the heels of them surrendering the Eredivsie title to PSV Eindhoven. When it comes to European football, Ajax now find themselves in last-chance saloon territory, and another failure against Czech side Jablonec would be disastrous.

Thankfully for fans of the Amsterdam club, Ajax have brushed off that Champions League disappointment to make a stunning start to the league season. A pair of 3-0 wins against AZ and Willem II have rocketed Frank De Boer's men to the top of the table.

Jablonec pulled off a shock in the previous set of Europa League qualifiers by beating FC Copenhagen 3-2 in Denmark, but that was the only bright spot in a modest start to the campaign. They have collected just five points from their first four games in the Czech Liga, and since that glorious night in Denmark they have managed one point and one goal in two league games.

Although there are plenty of young talents in the Ajax side, there are also wise heads likeNemanja Gudelj, Lasse Schone and Jesper Cillessen, and I think that experience will see Ajax through against a Jablonec side that is generally playing poorly.

Recommended Bet

Back Ajax -1.0 on the Asian Handicap at [2.05]

Odd Grenland v Borussia Dortmund
Thursday August 20, 19:30

So far, so good for Borussia Dortmund under their new coach Thomas Tuchel. Four games played in all competitions - 12 goals scored and none conceded. The old Dortmund swagger was back on Saturday night, as Die Schwarzgelben demolished Borussia Monchengladbach 4-0 in a performance that mixed breakneck speed with laser-like precision.

Although star forward Marco Reus is being left behind as a precautionary measure, BVB will still field a strong side, but it's tough to make much profit out of an away win as the visitors are trading at 1.21.

However, it may be worth back No in the Both Teams To Score market. BVB are yet to concede under Tuchel, and Odd have kept four clean sheets in their six Europa League games this season.

Recommended Bet

Back No in the Both Teams To Score market at 1.79

Rheindorf Altach v Belenenses
Thursday August 20, 19:30

Austrian side Rheindorf Altach caused a major shock in the previous round, as they swept aside Vitoria Guimaraes 6-2 on aggregate, and now they are chasing another Portuguese scalp. Getting this far is a big achievement for the hosts, as this is their first ever European campaign.

Belenenses have qualified for Europe for the first time since 2007, and they beat Swedes IFK Gothenburg in the previous round. They kicked off their Primeira Liga campaign at the weekend with a 3-3 draw against Rio Ave.

The market expects caution, but the stats say otherwise. Two of Belenenses' three games this season have seen an Over 2.5 Goals bet pay out, which is true of six of Rheindorf Altach's eight outings.

Recommended Bet

Back Over 2.5 Goals at 2.50

Molde v Standard Liege
Thursday August 20, 18:00

Having been top dogs in Norway in recent seasons, Molde will be deposed as champions this year, most likely by Rosenborg. To make matters worse, Molde failed to progress in the Champions League qualifiers, as they lost on away goals to Dinamo Zagreb. Last year's title-winning coach Tor Ole Skullerud has gone, and caretaker boss Erling Moe is yet to deliver a victory in any competition since taking the reins.

Molde are seventh in the league, they were knocked out of the Norwegian Cup 3-0 by Viking, and they have won just one of their last five home games in all competitions.

Standard Liege lost their opening game of the Belgian season at Kortrijk, but have since put together a five-match unbeaten run. Former Leicester City star Anthony Knockaert (we won't talk about that penalty against Watford) has settled in well at his new club, scoring three goals already.

Although Standard were awful in last season's Europa League group stage, their recent record in qualifying is very good. They have won their last nine qualifying matches in the competition, and I think their mix of solidity and flair can help them take advantage of a Molde side low on confidence.

Recommended Bet

Back Standard Liege Draw No Bet at 2.08