Marseille vs. Ajax: Champions League Showdown at Stade Vélodrome
Marseille will roll out the red carpet for Ajax at the Stade Vélodrome on Tuesday, September 30, with kick-off set for 15:00. This match promises to be a thrilling Champions League encounter. The Phocéens have established a strong home advantage and, on paper, they possess the firepower to challenge their Dutch opponents.
Betting Tip: Back Marseille on the Asian Handicap
If you’re planning to place a bet, consider backing Marseille on the Asian Handicap at –1, priced around –123. In simple terms, your bet pays out if OM wins by two or more goals. If they manage to win by just one, you get your stake back. It’s a bet as reliable as a pair of wellies in Manchester’s drizzle— and that’s quite the compliment!
Recent Form: Encouraging Results for Both Teams
In their last domestic matches, both teams have shown promise. Marseille edged past Strasbourg with a 2-1 victory, controlling 60% possession and recording nine shots on target. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Amir Murillo found the back of the net. Ajax also secured a 2-1 win against NAC Breda at the Johan Cruyff Arena, boasting 51% possession and seven shots on target, courtesy of goals from Oscar Gloukh and Kenneth Taylor.
Champions League Challenges
Despite their recent successes, both sides have faced challenges in Europe. Marseille suffered a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid, while Ajax lost 2-0 to Inter Milan at home. Both teams need to rediscover their scoring touch to keep their Champions League aspirations alive.
Marseille’s Impressive Statistics
Looking at their last ten outings across league and Champions League play, Marseille’s record stands at 7 wins, 2 defeats, and 1 draw. They are averaging 2.4 goals per game from 5.6 shots on target (14.1 attempts overall), controlling 56.8% of possession. They complete approximately 520 passes and earn around 6.3 corners per match. Defensively, they concede just 1.0 goal per game from 3.2 shots on target.
Key players include:
- Amine Gouiri: 6 goals
- Mason Greenwood: 5 goals and 5 assists
- Geronimo Rulli and Jeffrey De Lange: 2 clean sheets combined
Ajax’s Performance Under Heitinga
Under Johnny Heitinga, Ajax boasts a record of 5 wins, 1 loss, and 4 draws in their last ten matches. They generate 6.2 shots on target (15.5 attempts) and average 1.8 goals per game. Ajax enjoys 57.1% possession, makes around 530 passes, and earns about 6.4 corners per match. They concede 1.2 goals from 4.5 shots on target.
Key players include:
- Wout Weghorst: 5 goals
- Kenneth Taylor, Oscar Gloukh, Davy Klaassen, and Mika Godts: 2 goals each
- Steven Berghuis: 3 assists
- Vitezslav Jaros and Remko Pasveer: 3 shut-outs combined
Why Bet on Marseille -1?
The Vélodrome has proven to be a fortress for Marseille, as they have covered the –1 line in 4 of their last 5 and 7 of their last 10 home fixtures. The market odds suggest a 55.2% chance of success, but a deeper analysis indicates the actual probability is closer to 60-65%. This suggests good value in backing Marseille.
If you’re seeking even bigger odds, consider adjusting the handicap line. Don’t forget to shop around for free-bet offers or enticing sign-up packages to give your betting budget a boost. Ultimately, it’s about making informed choices and enjoying the match. And if Marseille fails to deliver that two-goal cushion? You’ll have an entertaining story for the pub and a great reason to unwind with a pint of pastis.