Shelbourne host Dutch giants Ajax at Tolka Park on Thursday for the second leg of their UEFA Conference League third qualifying round tie.The Irish side face a formidable task after suffering a 3-1 defeat in the first leg in Amsterdam on August 6. Shelbourne failed to create high-quality chances in the opening fixture, reflecting an ongoing struggle in European competition where they have failed to score in six of their last nine continental matches.Download Our MozzartSport App For More NewsSitting fifth in the League of Ireland and on a four-match losing streak across all competitions, manager John Russell's side must produce a remarkable turnaround to keep their European hopes alive.##NAJAVA_MECA_9889825##Ajax head into Thursday's fixture in commanding form, having won all six of their last competitive outings, including a 2-0 victory over PEC Zwolle in their Eredivisie opener on August 9. Michel's side generated over six expected goals and 32 shots in the first leg, demonstrating a clear gulf in chance creation. With three consecutive European away victories under their belt and a history of reaching European group or league phases in eight straight seasons, the Amsterdam club will be determined to maintain their advantage and seal progression to the final qualifying round.Kick-off: 9:45 PM (Kenyan Time), Thursday 13 AugustVenue: Tolka Park, DublinGroup: UEFA Conference League Third Qualifying Round (Second Leg)Current standings: Ajax lead 3-1 on aggregate.BETTING GUIDE: PSG vs Aston Villa, Match Preview, Team News and PredictionQualification implications: The aggregate winner advances to the Europa Conference League final qualifying round (playoff round), while the loser is eliminated from European competition.Form GuideShelbourne❌ Loss 1-2 vs St. Patrick's Athletic❌ Loss 1-3 vs Ajax❌ Loss 1-0 vs Waterford❌ Loss 2-1 vs Kalju✅ Win 5-2 vs KaljuAjax✅ Win 2-0 vs PEC Zwolle✅ Win 3-1 vs Shelbourne✅ Win 1-3 vs FC Voldenam✅ Win 4-1 vs Vojvodina✅ Win 2-1 vs Burnley##NAJAVA_MECA_9889861##Head-to-Head (Last Meeting)Ajax 3-1 Shelbourne (6 Aug 2026 – UEFA Conference League)Team NewsShelbourne🟢 Kerr McInroy, Jack Henry-Francis, Daniel Kelly, and Sean Moore available and expected to feature.🟢 Sam Bone, Paddy Barrett, and Kameron Ledwidge expected to anchor the defense.Ajax🟡 Mika Godts – Linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, but available to feature before any potential departure.🟢 Kasper Dolberg, Steven Berghuis, Youri Regeer, Aaron Bouwman, and Daley Blind all available for selection.BETTING GUIDE: Arsenal vs Como, Match Preview, Team News and PredictionPlayer to Watch: Mika Godts (Ajax)Mika Godts remains one of Ajax's primary attacking threats in the final third, bringing dynamic pace and directness to their frontline. Despite ongoing transfer interest from Paris Saint-Germain, the young Belgian winger continues to be a key outlet on the flank, capable of unsettling low-block defenses with his sharp dribbling and incisive passes. In the first leg, Godts helped Ajax dominate the wide areas as the Dutch side recorded 32 shots and generated over six expected goals.If he features at Tolka Park, his ability to exploit space against a Shelbourne side forced to push forward could prove decisive in putting the aggregate tie completely beyond reach.🟢 Safe Bet (Low Risk)Ajax to Qualify🟡 Smart Bet (Medium Risk)Over 2.5 Goals🔴 Long Shot (High Risk)Correct Score: Shelbourne 0-3 AjaxDisclaimer: Whilst we do our utmost to offer good advice and information, we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling.
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