Will Ajax hold on to their advantage? Prediction for the Conference League match Ajax vs Shelbourne
On Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 20:45 Central European Time, the opening whistle will sound at Tolka Park in Dublin for the second leg of the 2026/27 UEFA Conference League third qualifying round: Irish side Shelbourne host Amsterdam’s Ajax.
The first match, played on August 6 in Amsterdam, ended in a confident 3-1 victory for the hosts. Ajax’s goals came from Mika Godts, Owen Wijndal, and Kasper Dolberg, while Irish club Shelbourne answered with a late strike from Daniel Kelly.
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The Irish league is in full swing, so Shelbourne are in excellent physical shape. However, the squad depth and technical level of the Irish side are no match for the European giants from Amsterdam.
With a two-goal deficit to overcome, the hosts have no choice but to take risks and push forward from the opening minutes, spurred on by their home crowd at Tolka Park. Shelbourne’s main strengths remain their athleticism, aerial duels, and set-piece routines.
Ajax, having calmly secured victory at home, arrive in Ireland as clear favorites. The Dutch side surpass their opponents in ball movement, tactical creativity, and individual skill.
Holding a 3-1 advantage, Ajax can look to dominate possession from the outset and smother any attempts by Shelbourne to impose a physical style of play. Expect the Amsterdam coaching staff to field a strong starting eleven, with their top attacking options (Kasper Dolberg, Mika Godts, Steven Berghuis) leading the line.
Shelbourne are likely to set up in a 4-4-2 or 4-5-1 formation, pressing aggressively high up the pitch in search of an early goal. Ajax will stick to their traditional 4-3-3, confidently controlling the midfield and stretching the hosts’ defense with wide, incisive attacks down the flanks.
It’s worth noting that last week’s match in Amsterdam (3-1 for Ajax) was the first official meeting in the history of these two clubs.
What’s the best bet for this clash?
Shelbourne’s need to push forward and expose defensive gaps will play right into Ajax’s hands. The Dutch side thrive in open space and should win by at least two goals even away from home. My prediction: Ajax to win with an Asian handicap of -1.5.
