Shelbourne vs Ajax
Shelbourne hold Ajax to a draw
A spirited Shelbourne side clawed back twice to deny Ajax victory in the Conference League.
Ajax looked set for a win after early goals from J. Brandt and A. Gaaei, but Shelbourne fought back with strikes from R. Freitas and S. Moore to secure a 2-2 draw. This result defied Fipster's low-confidence prediction of an Ajax win, proving the home side's resilience on the European stage.
- First leg:
- Ajax 3 1 Shelbourne
- Aggregate:
- Ajax 5 3 Shelbourne
- Advances:
- Ajax
Outcome probability
The 3rd Qualifying Round fixture between Shelbourne and Ajax promises an intriguing battle as both sides look to progress further in the competition. With Ajax boasting a strong recent record and Shelbourne eager to make their mark, fans can expect a lively encounter.
Match factors
Ajax's Midfielders Outperform League Averages
Ajax midfielders like Gloukh and Klaassen have goal rates well above league averages, boosting scoring chances
Berghuis Provides Creative Edge on the Wings
Berghuis's high assist rate and key passes create scoring opportunities for Ajax forwards
Shelbourne Struggle Defensively at Home
Shelbourne have conceded in all recent home games, likely to face pressure from Ajax attack
No Confirmed Injuries for Either Team
Both teams have full squads available, so strongest lineups expected
The context
Shelbourne have played three matches in this competition so far, winning one and losing two, scoring and conceding seven goals each. Ajax, on the other hand, have been in fine form with three wins from three games, netting eleven goals and conceding just three. Their previous head-to-head meeting saw Ajax come out on top, adding a bit of psychological edge to this tie.
Key insights
O. Gloukh
Ajax
Gloukh's 4 goals in 2 games put him well above league average for midfielders, making him a key attacking threat.
UEFA Europa Conference League 26/274 goals in 2 appearances, 142 minutes total
S. Berghuis
Ajax
Berghuis's 3 assists in 3 games and high passing accuracy provide Ajax with a creative edge on the wings.
UEFA Europa Conference League 26/273 assists in 3 appearances, 153 minutes total
D. Klaassen
Ajax
Klaassen's consistent scoring and captaincy role boost Ajax's midfield influence and goal threat.
UEFA Europa Conference League 26/272 goals in 2 appearances, 129 minutes total
Analysis
Ajax's midfielders, particularly O. Gloukh and D. Klaassen, have been standout performers with impressive goal tallies that surpass league averages. Gloukh has scored four goals in two appearances, while Klaassen has contributed two goals in the same number of games. On the creative front, S. Berghuis has been instrumental with three assists in three matches, providing a significant attacking threat from the wings. Shelbourne, meanwhile, have struggled defensively at home, conceding in all recent fixtures, which could play into Ajax's hands given their attacking prowess. Both teams have full squads available, so expect the strongest lineups on display.
Key facts
- 1.Shelbourne have played 3 matches in this competition (W1 D0 L2, GF 7 / GA 7).
- 2.Ajax have played 3 matches in this competition (W3 D0 L0, GF 11 / GA 3).
- 3.Ajax won the only previous head-to-head meeting against Shelbourne.
- 4.Ajax's O. Gloukh has scored 4 goals in 2 appearances in this competition.
- 5.S. Berghuis has provided 3 assists in 3 appearances for Ajax.
- 6.Shelbourne have conceded in all recent home games in this competition.
- 7.No confirmed injuries for either team; strongest lineups expected.
- 8.Prediction expects 3 total cards, indicating moderate discipline.
Prediction
Despite Shelbourne's home advantage, the prediction leans towards an away win for Ajax with a close 3-2 scoreline. The match is expected to be competitive and entertaining, with Ajax's attacking midfielders likely to make the difference. A total of three cards is anticipated, suggesting a moderately disciplined game.
Player Insights
Standout players Fipster expects to impact the match — curated highlights, not full squad lists
Home — Shelbourne
No standout top scorers flagged for Shelbourne
Away — Ajax
The verdict
In summary, while Shelbourne will no doubt put up a fight, Ajax's superior recent form and attacking quality should see them edge this qualifier. Expect goals, creativity, and a tight finish that ultimately favours the visitors.
Form as the teams went into this match — excludes this result and anything since.
Team Comparison
Season shape — attack, defence, form, clean sheets & win rate
Home vs Away comparison
Goal difference in each of the last few fixtures — above the line is a net win, below is a net loss
Season comparison
Goals scored & conceded, goal difference and clean sheets across the season
Halftime Performance
What each side does once the whistle goes for half time
Streaks
Recent-form runs — each side’s most-recent game meets in the middle
Head to Head
Brandt
Assist: Mokio
Bouwman
Yellow Card
Freitas
Assist: Caffrey
Marcos Leonardo
Yellow Card
Freitas
Yellow Card
Gaaei
Blind
Brandt
Marcos Leonardo
Bone
Goal cancelled
Wijndal
Lunney
Yellow Card
Carrizo
Lunney
Freitas
Roche
Yellow Card
Mbeng
James Barry Norris
Moore
Assist: Caffrey
Match Statistics
Shelbourne
| Player | Pos | Min | Rating | G | A | Shots | SoT | Key Passes | Dribbles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kerr McInroy(C) | M | 90 | 7.3 | — | — | 4 | 2 | 3 | — |
| Rodrigo Freitas | F | 72 | 7.3 | 1 | — | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1/4 |
| Odhran Casey | D | 90 | 7.2 | — | — | 1 | — | 2 | — |
| Kameron Ledwidge | D | 90 | 6.9 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Evan Caffrey | M | 90 | 6.9 | — | 2 | 2 | — | 2 | 1/3 |
| Daniel Kelly | F | 90 | 6.5 | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1/4 |
| Sam Bone | D | 60 | 6.5 | — | — | — | — | — | 1/1 |
| James Norris | M | 81 | 6.5 | — | — | — | — | — | 0/1 |
| Milan Mbeng | M | 81 | 6.5 | — | — | 1 | 1 | — | 0/1 |
| Jonathan Lunney | M | 72 | 6.3 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Eddie Beach | G | 90 | 5.9 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Substitutes | |||||||||
| Killian Ryan | M | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Murray Johnson | G | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Joey Ikala Wuna | F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Sean Moore | D | 9 | 7.9 | 1 | — | 1 | 1 | — | 0/1 |
| Sean Gannon | D | 30 | 6.9 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Will Jarvis | M | 9 | 6.9 | — | — | — | — | — | 2/2 |
| James Roche | D | 18 | 6.7 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Daniel Ring | F | 18 | 6.5 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Ajax
| Player | Pos | Min | Rating | G | A | Shots | SoT | Key Passes | Dribbles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anton Gaaei | D | 90 | 8.3 | 1 | — | 2 | 1 | 3 | — |
| Youri Regeer | M | 90 | 7.9 | — | — | 1 | 1 | — | — |
| Maarten Paes | G | 90 | 7.2 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Aaron Bouwman | D | 90 | 6.9 | — | — | — | — | — | 0/1 |
| Julian Brandt | M | 57 | 6.9 | 1 | — | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0/2 |
| Oliver Valaker Edvardsen | F | 90 | 6.9 | — | — | — | — | — | 1/1 |
| Jorthy Mokio | M | 90 | 6.7 | — | 1 | 1 | — | 2 | 2/3 |
| Daley Blind(C) | D | 45 | 6.6 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Maher Carrizo | F | 70 | 6.3 | — | — | 2 | — | 2 | 1/2 |
| Owen Wijndal | D | 69 | 6.2 | — | — | 2 | 2 | 1 | — |
| Marcos Leonardo | F | 57 | 6.2 | — | — | — | — | 1 | — |
| Substitutes | |||||||||
| Mika Godts | F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Davy Klaassen | M | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Lucas Rosa | D | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Kasper Dolberg | F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Oscar Gloukh | M | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Joeri Heerkens | G | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Marc-André Ter Stegen | G | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Youri Baas | D | 45 | 6.6 | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1/1 |
| Abdellah Ouazane | M | 33 | 6.5 | — | — | 2 | 1 | — | 2/3 |
| Caio Henrique | D | 21 | 6.3 | — | — | — | — | 1 | — |
| Dies Janse | D | 20 | 6.2 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Tolu Arokodare | F | 33 | 5.9 | — | — | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0/1 |