Both Villarreal and Ajax enter this Champions League showdown desperate for a turnaround, with neither side finding much success so far in the 2025/26 campaign. Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00pm on Tuesday, 20 January, at Estadio de la Cerámica, and below you can find our match preview and best bets.
Best Bets & Predictions
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Villarreal to Win | 8/15 @ Bet365 (65.2%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | We are backing Villarreal to win because they have produced 85 shots in 6 matches—almost 50% more than Ajax—and create more key passes and box entries than their Dutch visitors. Ajax have lost 5 of 6 and conceded 18 goals, so Villarreal’s high shot volume should finally pay off. |
| Georges Mikautadze First Goalscorer | 7/2 @ Bet365 (22.2%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Mikautadze leads Villarreal for shots and has been at the heart of their attack. With Ajax conceding early in multiple games, Mikautadze’s direct style makes him a live contender to open the scoring. |
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Season Form & Standings
2025/26 season to date: Both Villarreal and Ajax have struggled, with just one point between them from 12 combined games. Villarreal’s attack has been more adventurous, but both sides are among the weakest defensively.
| Team | Pos | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ajax | 34 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 18 | -13 | 3 |
| Villarreal | 35 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 13 | -9 | 1 |
Potential Match-Winners
- Georges Mikautadze (Villarreal) – Averaging 3+ shots per game with a high share inside the box, he is central to Villarreal’s attack and among their most likely scorers.
- Ayoze Pérez (Villarreal) – His movement and box entries (Villarreal lead this group for touches inside the area) make him a threat to get on the end of chances.
- Kasper Dolberg (Ajax) – Key for Ajax, averaging nearly 2 shots per game, and often the focal point when Ajax do push forward.
- Steven Berghuis (Ajax) – Noted for creative play and set-piece involvement, he’s contributed a steady stream of key passes (Ajax: 47 key passes in 6 games).
Conclusion: Will Villarreal Find Their Finishing Touch?
This contest pits two sides desperate to restore pride in Europe. Villarreal’s attacking numbers suggest they are due a breakthrough, while Ajax’s defensive record offers them the perfect opportunity. With both teams leaking goals and neither able to keep clean sheets, expect an open game where Villarreal’s shot volume and home advantage should finally pay dividends. For punters, 8/15 @ Bet365 (65.2%) on a Villarreal win is the pick that stands out most.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
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