Ajax v Benfica: Draw will suit both teams

Ajax 2.06 v Benfica 4.00; The Draw 3.65
Tuesday 23 October, 20:00
Live on BT Sport Extra

Ajax defying expectations

Group E is delicately poised, with three teams currently separated by just a point.

Ajax are the surprise leaders, having taken advantage of Bayern Munich's malaise to claim a valuable away draw at the Allianz Arena. Benfica lost their opening match against Bayern, but have since put together a five match unbeaten run (W4 D1). This included an away Champions League victory at AEK Athens and a 1-0 home win over arch rivals Porto in their domestic league.

Benfica's run of form has seen them move to the top of the Primeira Liga after seven unbeaten games (W5 D2). Ajax are currently second in the Eredivisie, five points behind a PSV side that have made a perfect start to the season. Ajax are unbeaten in five since their loss to the league leaders (W4 D1).

With Bayern Munich expected to win in Athens and still favoured to top the group, this is a game that neither Ajax or Benfica can afford to lose, as they chase a spot in the last-16.

Draw works for both teams

There doesn't seem to be much between these two teams, who are both in good form and play in leagues where they are regularly facing opposition that are overmatched.

This seems the sort of game where both will be happy enough with a draw. Ajax can take a huge step towards qualification for the knockout stages with a win, but having picked up a surprise draw in Munich, they will still be in a very strong position with a point.

For Benfica, a draw against the group leaders would represent a good result. When a stalemate works for both clubs, odds of the draw at 3.65 seem too big.

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Back the draw between Ajax and Benfica at 3.65