Real Sociedad v Ajax: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Ajax should stay well on course for automatic qualification to the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League with victory at Real Sociedad on Thursday.

Ajax are second in the table after three wins and a draw from their first four games and know a victory over La Real will significantly boost their chances of eventually securing a top-eight place.

Real Sociedad, in contrast, have picked up just four points so far and have plenty of work to do if they want to progress to the last 16.

Real Sociedad v Ajax betting tips and predictions

Ajax to win - 29/10

After finishing fifth in the Eredivisie last term, Ajax had to come through three rounds of qualifying to take their place in the 36-team league phase but they have quickly demonstrated they have what it takes to go far in the competition.

Francesco Farioli's side have impressed with comfortable victories to nil over Besiktas, Qarabag and Maccabi Tel Aviv, while a 1-1 draw at Slavia Prague has been their only misstep so far.

Things are going well in the Dutch top flight, too, with Ajax third in the table after winning nine of their first 12 games, a run that includes a 3-2 victory over leaders PSV Eindhoven.

They should head to the Basque region full of confidence as they prepare to go up against a Real Sociedad outfit that has struggled in the UEFA Europa League this season.

The La Liga side are down in 25th place after recording just one win so far - a 2-1 success over Maccabi Tel Aviv - as defeats to Anderlecht, Viktoria Plzen and a draw with Nice leave them in danger of failing to progress to the knockout stage.

La Real did manage a 1-0 win over leaders Barcelona in their most recent domestic home game but the positivity that result generated was quickly extinguished by a 1-0 defeat at Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.

Kenneth Taylor to score anytime - 13/2

Kenneth Taylor has been one of Ajax's stars in Europe this season as the Netherlands international scored once in qualifying and has bagged three goals in four games in the main competition.

The 22-year-old was on target against Qarabag, Besiktas and Maccabi Tel Aviv, while he has also weighed in with two goals in the Eredivisie so far.

Taylor's value to the Ajax side is clear and he will be one of the main attacking threats Real Sociedad could struggle to contain on Thursday.

Brian Brobbey to be booked - 11/4

Brian Brobbey will hope to get the nod to start up front for the visitors after scoring in the 2-0 league win over PEC Zwolle at the weekend.

The forward has been guilty of giving away plenty of fouls this season with his tally of 17 the joint-second-highest in the Ajax squad in all competitions.

Brobbey has received four yellow cards this season, all in the Eredivisie, so it might just be a matter of time before he picks up a booking in the UEFA Europa League too.

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Real Sociedad v Ajax odds

Real Sociedad - 19/20
Draw - 5/2
Ajax - 29/10

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.