2023-24 UEFA Europa Conference League Knockouts: First Leg – Ajax vs Bodo/Glimt

Ajax face Bodø/Glimt at Johan Cruyff Arena in the first leg of their knockout play-off in the 2023-24 UEFA Europa Conference League. 

Ajax dropped into this stage of the Europa Conference League after they finished third in their Europa League group, whilst Bodø/Glimt finished second in Group D.

 

Team News

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Carlos Forbs is a doubt for Ajax after he was substituted in their Eredivisie defeat at Heerenveen.

Devyne Rensch (unspecified), Steven Bergwijn (hamstring), Mika Godts (thigh), Remko Pasveer, Branco van den Boomen and Gaston Avila (all knee) remain ruled out.

Bodø/Glimt have no fresh injury concerns to report as Nikita Haikin (shoulder), Syver Skeide (knee) and Runar Espejord (hamstring) remain absent.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Ajax host Bodø/Glimt at Johan Cruyff Arena at 9pm CET on Thursday 15 February, live on TNT Sports 7 in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• This is Ajax’s first-ever competitive meeting against Bodø/Glimt.
• Bodø/Glimt are playing Ajax away for the first time in any UEFA competition.
• Bodø/Glimt have drawn each of their two previous away games against Dutch opposition in UEFA competitions, having drawn 2-2 at AZ Alkmaar and 1-1 at PSV
• Ajax have lost three of their four home games in UEFA competitions this season (W1, D1, L2).
• Bodø/Glimt have lost one of their last six away matches in UEFA competitions (W3, D2, L1).

 

Prediction

With just two defeats in their last ten matches in all competitions, Ajax seem to have finally found their attacking spark after a difficult first half of the season, yet they failed to keep a clean sheet in that run highlighting their serious defensive deficiencies.

Bodø/Glimt meanwhile will have fresh legs because they’ve had their off-season during the winter period and although they’ve played four friendlies with mixed results, we shouldn’t read too much into those results due to the nature of friendlies.

Goals therefore do feel a certainty because whilst Ajax are banging in the goals, their defence looks there for the taking, which could suit Bodø/Glimt who can’t be underestimated but the Dutch team should make home advantage count.

Prediction: Ajax 2-1 Bodø/Glimt

Result: Ajax 2-2 Bodø/Glimt