Ajax vs Borussia Dortmund Odds & Prediction – Champions League Group Stage Matchday 3

• Ajax welcome Borussia Dortmund to Amsterdam on Champions League Matchday 3
• The hosts are a slim +125 favorite for Tuesday’s fixture
• Read on for the odds, preview, and prediction below

The favorites to progress out of Group C will clash on Tuesday as Ajax locks horns with Borussia Dortmund at Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam. The kick-off is scheduled for 3 PM EST. Both sides are currently level on six points, with Ajax beating Besiktas last time out, while the German giants collected the full three points on the road at Sporting.

Dortmund came out victorious in their previous two meetings with the Eredivisie standouts, defeating them home and away in the 2012-13 Champions League group stages.

Ajax vs Borussia Dortmund Odds

All odds as of October 17th at DraftKings

Ajax’s First Challenge

It’s been basically smooth sailing for the Dutch side this season, tasting defeat just once. By no surprise, they sit atop the Eredivisie with 22 points from nine games. In the process, Erik ten Hag’s men have bagged a mind-boggling 32 goals while conceding only twice. Ajax cruised to a 2-0 victory on Saturday against Heerenveen in their first match since the international break, with Sebastian Haller and David Neres both finding the back of the net.

As for Champions League action, Tuesday’s clash will certainly be their first serious test. Matchday 1 saw de Godenzonen dismantle Sporting by a 5-1 scoreline, with Haller making Champions League history as he scored four times. Matchday 2 wasn’t much more difficult for Ajax either in a truly dominant performance against Besiktas, winning 2-0. Haller netted again and currently leads the competition with five goals to his name.

The Dutch giants have been extremely solid in all areas thus far in UCL play, allowing a mere one goal. Their Turkish oppositions had absolutely no chances in the final third either, failing to register a single shot on target. Ajax also controlled 71% of the ball. Their backline will definitely have a tall task on Tuesday though with the likes of Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham in fine form right now for Dortmund.

2 more sleeps, @BlackYellow 🤯#UCL #ajabvb pic.twitter.com/P6RP6JOd8x

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) October 17, 2021

Keepers Maarten Stekelenburg and Andre Onana are both unavailable due to injury and suspension, which means Remko Pasveer will get his third consecutive start in the Champions League.

Dortmund in Good Form

Marco Rose’s side is enjoying life domestically and in Europe currently. They’re sitting second in Bundesliga and just a point behind Bayern, while also going undefeated in UCL action. Dortmund has won three straight games and most recently grabbed an important three points on Saturday in a 3-1 victory at Signal Iduna against Mainz.

Marco Reus got his side started on the right foot, shattering the back of the net with a thunderous half volley in the 3rd minute. By no surprise, Haaland did his part in the second period, converting from the spot before sealing the deal for Dortmund in injury time with a clinical finish from a neat Bellingham assist. While BVB has 22 goals in league play, their backline is shaky at times, allowing 14.

As for Europe’s most prized competition, The Black and Yellows took down Besiktas on Matchday 1 then followed it up with another victory against Sporting. Although it was just a 1-0 result, it was impressive because the side showed real tenacity without Haaland, who was sidelined due to injury.

Another day in the office 💼 pic.twitter.com/0ARVnOZ9rM

— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) October 17, 2021

Neither of their first two opponents however posed much of a threat up top. But, Ajax certainly will, especially Haller, who is in the form of his life right now. That being said, Dortmund will need to stay sharp defensively and limit the mistakes. Giovanni Reyna is in line to make his UCL debut on Tuesday, while midfielder Mahmoud Dahoud is doubtful.

Ajax vs Dortmund Key Stats

Ajax vs Dortmund Prediction

History is on Dortmund’s side. They’ve typically gotten the better of Ajax and unfortunately, the hosts have only won two of their last 11 meetings with German teams, which isn’t a good sign heading into Tuesday. Also, with Reyna in contention to play, BVB’s squad becomes even stronger. Take the visitors to come out victorious here, with Haaland firing home a goal in the process. Cash in on the moneyline.

Pick: Dortmund (+205), Erling Haaland to Score (-120)