The first leg in Lisbon ended all square as Sebastian Haller scored at both ends of the pitch in a game that ended 2-2. The Dutch side have had one loss and three wins to their name across all competitions since that game.
Benfica have fared slightly better and have two wins and a draw to their name since the first leg. They endured a frustrating outing against Vizela at home and played out a 1-1 draw as Adel Taarabt was sent off in the seventh minute of the game.
The two sides have met eight times so far, with all the meetings coming in UEFA competitions. Ajax have dominated the proceedings in this fixture and are winless against the Eagles since a loss in their first-ever meeting in 1969. They lead 4-1 in wins and three games have ended in draws.
Ajax form guide (all competitions): W-W-W-L-D
Benfica form guide (all competitions): D-W-W-D-D
Ajax Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): André Onana (GK); Nicolás Tagliafico, Jurrien Timber, Perr Schuurs, Daley Blind; Edson Alvarez, Davy Klaassen; Antony, Steven Berghuis, Dusan Tadic; Sebastien Haller
Benfica Predicted XI (4-4-2): Odysseas Vlachodimos (GK); Valentino Lazaro, Nicolas Otamendi, Jan Vertonghen, Alejandro Grimaldo; Rafa Silva, Adel Taarabt, Julian Weigl, Everton; Roman Yaremchuk, Darwin Nunez
Ajax vs Benfica Prediction
Ajax enjoyed a flawless run in the group stage of the competition, winning all six games and scoring 20 goals. They have experienced a solid run at home recently and are enjoying a seven-game winning streak in which they have kept six clean sheets.
While the odds of a clean sheet against Benfica are low, Ajax are the overwhelming favorites at home. With qualification to the next round of the competition at stake, the game is expected to be a closely contested affair.