Football Match Preview: Jagiellonia Bialystok vs Ajax - Analysis & Insights
Polish side Jagiellonia Bialystok host Ajax in the first leg of the final play-off round of Europa League Qualifying. The winner of this two-legged tie will reach the first ever league stage of the Europa League as all three tiers of UEFA club competitions have switched from the traditional group stage format this season.
Jagiellonia Bialystok are currently four games into the Ekstraklasa season and find themselves fifth with the top four all tied on 10 points and Jagiellonia only behind by one point. However, Jagiellonia have a game in hand on all of these sides and therefore with a win would go two points clear at the top with 12 points.
Ajax have played two games so far in the Eridivisie, making it hard to reach any conclusions, however, one thing is clear, Ajax have not started well. Ajax are currently ninth in the league with just three points after winning their opening game against Heerenveen 1-0, before losing their second match to NAC Breda 2-1.
The two teams have never played each other before, making it a very interesting European tie, but even harder to analyse due to the lack of history attached to the fixture.
Jagiellonia Bialystok
Ajax
Damian Wojdakowski for Jagiellonia is the only injury for both sides as they will both look to feature their main men in their respective lineups, as they look to achieve Europa League qualification.
Jagiellonia Bialystok: Abramowicz; Sacek, Skrzpczak, Dieguez, Moutinho; Marczuk, Nene, Romanczuk, Hansen; Imaz; Pululu.
Ajax: Pasveer; Rensch, Sutalo, Baas, Hato; Taylor, Henderson, Fitz-Jim; Berghuis, Akpom, Forbs.
Our player to watch for this match is Chuba Akpom. The former Arsenal striker is expected to start this match and we believe this is the opportunity for him to shine in Brobbey's absence. Brobbey didn't have the perfect performance in Ajax's last European fixture, missing twice in the penalty shootout.
Akpom has 0.74 non-penalty goals per 90, putting him in the 96th percentile of forwards in the FBRef database, showcasing his consistency in front of goal. He achieves this from an average 0.65 non-penalty xG per 90, showing he is efficient with his chances, as many players still underperform on xG but due to the frequency of chances can still hit big numbers.
This match is unavailable to watch in the UK.
Writer
Join our newsletter
Become a part of our community and never miss an update from Football Park.
Contact Sales