Ajax vs Vojvodina Prediction and Betting Tips – 30 July 2026
Date 25.07.2026
Author: Trevor Banks
Introduction
Ajax welcome FK Vojvodina to the Johan Cruijff ArenA on Thursday, 30 July 2026, for the second leg of their UEFA Conference League second qualifying round tie.
Kick-off in Amsterdam is scheduled for 20:00 local time. Follow me to get more accurate asian handicap predictions for the UEFA Conference League matches.
Under normal circumstances, the main question would be which team is more likely to qualify. After Ajax won the first leg 4-1 in Novi Sad, that question has mostly been answered. Vojvodina now need to score at least three times just to force extra time, while Ajax can afford to lose by two goals and still progress.
Ajax made a quick start in Serbia, with Davy Klaassen scoring after only three minutes. Petar Sukačev equalised for Vojvodina, but Steven Berghuis restored the visitors’ lead before half-time. Oscar Gloukh added a third shortly after the break, while 16-year-old Mohamed Abdalla completed the scoring in added time.
The large aggregate advantage gives Ajax head coach Míchel Sánchez several options. He can keep his strongest team together and finish the tie quickly, or he can rotate the squad and give minutes to new signings and academy players.
That uncertainty makes the basic Ajax win market less attractive at very short odds. The better betting opportunities may be found in the handicap, total-goals and team-goals markets.
This preview was updated on 25 July 2026. Team news, starting lineups and betting prices may change before kick-off.
Summer Changes
Ajax
This summer has brought another significant reset in Amsterdam.
Míchel Sánchez was appointed as Ajax head coach at the beginning of June, signing a two-year contract until June 2028. The Spaniard previously spent five seasons with Girona and guided the club to a historic third-place finish in La Liga during the 2023/24 season.
Míchel wants Ajax to play with energy, positional freedom and aggressive pressing. Before the first leg, he explained that pressing should give energy to the entire team rather than simply being a defensive task. That approach was visible in Novi Sad, particularly during the strong opening period and the moments immediately after Vojvodina lost possession.
Ajax have also added experience and quality to the squad.
Daley Blind has returned to Amsterdam for another spell and immediately started in central defence against Vojvodina. His pace is no longer his main strength, but his passing and understanding of Ajax’s game remain valuable, especially against teams defending close to their own penalty area.
Brazilian left-back Caio Henrique arrived from AS Monaco and made his official Ajax debut as a substitute in Serbia. He has signed until June 2030 and brings more attacking quality from full-back than Ajax had during much of last season.
The biggest attacking arrival is Marcos Leonardo. Ajax paid just under €20 million for the Brazilian striker, who scored 48 goals in 82 appearances for Al-Hilal. He remained on the bench in the first leg, but the comfortable aggregate position makes the return match a logical opportunity for his first competitive minutes.
One notable departure is midfielder Sean Steur, who joined Newcastle United in a deal that could reportedly rise to €27 million.
The squad is still being shaped, but Ajax already look more balanced than they did during parts of the previous campaign.
Vojvodina
Vojvodina have also invested in their squad, particularly through the centre of the pitch.
Dejan Zukić returned to the Serbian club from Wolfsberger AC, while Ifet Đakovac arrived from Akron Tolyatti. Centre-forward Nardin Mulahusejnović joined from FC Noah, and winger Stefan Mitrović was added on loan from Hellas Verona.
Zukić, Đakovac and Mulahusejnović all started the first leg against Ajax. That shows how heavily Vojvodina are already relying on their summer recruits.
There is attacking quality in the new group, but the defensive structure remains a concern. Vojvodina have conceded nine goals across their first three European matches of the season: five against Ferencváros over two legs and four at home to Ajax.
The team is still learning how to balance its attacking ambition with enough protection behind the ball. Against Ajax, that problem becomes even more serious because every misplaced pass can turn into a dangerous transition within seconds.
Team Form
Ajax Form
Ajax’s preparation started badly with a 3-1 defeat against Panathinaikos, but the performances improved as the month continued.
They defeated AEK Larnaca 1-0, drew 1-1 with Bochum and then beat Olympiacos 1-0 in their final friendly before the European campaign. The 4-1 win in Novi Sad extended Ajax’s unbeaten run to four matches, with three victories during that period.
The result in Serbia was more convincing than many expected.
Ajax scored early, responded well after conceding the equaliser and did not allow Vojvodina to build any lasting momentum. The visitors remained patient when they had the ball and were much more clinical in front of goal.
Davy Klaassen, Steven Berghuis and Oscar Gloukh provided goals from midfield and wide areas, while the fourth came from academy player Mohamed Abdalla. That spread of goals is encouraging for Míchel because it reduces the team’s dependence on the central striker.
Ajax are also scheduled to play Burnley in a friendly on 26 July, four days before the return leg. That fixture could influence the lineup, with some players likely to appear against Burnley and others being saved for Vojvodina.
Vojvodina Form
Vojvodina’s European campaign began in the Europa League against Ferencváros.
They lost the home leg 2-1 after conceding a late goal and were then beaten 3-0 in Budapest. The 5-1 aggregate defeat moved the Serbian side into the Conference League, where they were immediately drawn against Ajax.
There was one positive result between those European defeats. Vojvodina began their Serbian league season with a 4-0 victory over OFK Beograd. That match showed that they can punish opponents who give Zukić and their wide players space around the penalty area.
Ajax, however, are operating at a different speed.
Vojvodina attempted to compete rather than simply defend in the first leg, but that decision left too much space between midfield and defence. Once Ajax played through the initial pressure, the Serbian back line was repeatedly exposed.
Vojvodina also face Red Star Belgrade away on 26 July, only four days before travelling to Amsterdam. Miroslav Tanjga will need to decide whether to rotate in the domestic match or continue using his strongest team in an extremely demanding week.
Tactical Analysis
How Ajax May Approach the Match
Ajax used a familiar 4-3-3 formation in the first leg.
Youri Regeer played at the base of midfield, with Klaassen and Gloukh operating ahead of him. Steven Berghuis started from the right, Mika Godts played from the left and Kasper Dolberg led the attack.
The shape looked simple on paper, but the movements were flexible.
Berghuis regularly moved inside to combine with Klaassen and Gloukh. That opened the right side for Lucas Rosa to advance from full-back. On the opposite flank, Godts stayed wider and attempted to isolate Vojvodina’s right-back.
Blind’s passing from central defence also helped Ajax move through the first line of pressure. Instead of forcing the ball directly into crowded midfield areas, he could find the full-backs or play into Gloukh between the lines.
At home, Ajax should dominate possession again. The biggest tactical question is how urgently they will attack.
They do not need to chase goals. If Vojvodina sit deep, Ajax can circulate the ball without taking unnecessary risks. If the visitors push forward, the spaces behind their midfield should give Godts, Berghuis and the central striker plenty of counterattacking opportunities.
Míchel may use the match to give Marcos Leonardo his first start. The Brazilian is more of a penalty-box finisher than Dolberg, which could change the way Ajax attack. Caio Henrique is another possible starter and would add stronger delivery from the left.
The home side should still press aggressively after losing possession. Vojvodina struggled when forced to make quick decisions close to their own goal in the first match.
How Vojvodina May Approach the Match
Vojvodina started the first leg in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Njegoš Petrović and Ifet Đakovac protected the back four, with Petar Sukačev, Dejan Zukić and Lazar Ranđelović supporting Mulahusejnović.
That shape allowed them to keep enough players in central areas, but it did not stop Ajax from finding space between the lines.
The situation in Amsterdam is difficult because Vojvodina cannot simply defend for a respectable result. They need at least three goals. At some point, the Serbian side must push its full-backs higher and commit more players to attacks.
That creates a serious problem.
If Vojvodina press high, Ajax have the technical quality to play through them. If they defend deeper, the clock will work against them and qualification will disappear without much resistance.
The visitors’ best chance may be to start aggressively and look for an early goal. Sukačev has already shown that he can arrive in dangerous positions, while Zukić can shoot or create from the number-ten role.
Set pieces will also be important. Vojvodina are unlikely to create enough clear opportunities through open play, so free kicks and corners may offer their best route to goal.
The longer the match remains level, however, the more likely it is that Vojvodina will lose discipline and leave spaces for Ajax to exploit.
Key Players
Oscar Gloukh – Ajax
Gloukh scored Ajax’s third goal in Serbia and was regularly involved between Vojvodina’s midfield and defence.
He can receive the ball in tight spaces, turn quickly and combine with the wide forwards. His movement is particularly difficult to follow because he does not remain in one fixed midfield position.
Vojvodina must stop him from receiving the ball facing their goal. Once Gloukh has time to look forward, Ajax usually have runners available on both sides.
Steven Berghuis – Ajax
Berghuis produced a calm finish to make it 2-1 in the first leg.
His intelligence remains as important as his left foot. He knows when to stay wide, when to move into midfield and when to attack the penalty area.
Even if Míchel rotates the team, Berghuis could start because he helps younger players understand the rhythm of the match.
Marcos Leonardo – Ajax
Marcos Leonardo did not play in Novi Sad, but he could become one of the main attractions of the second leg.
The Brazilian describes himself as a natural finisher, and his scoring record supports that claim. Ajax should create chances inside the penalty area, especially once Vojvodina begin taking greater risks.
Dejan Zukić – Vojvodina
Zukić is the most obvious creative threat in the visiting side.
He plays behind the striker but can move wide or drop into midfield to receive the ball. Vojvodina need him to take responsibility because they cannot afford a quiet attacking performance.
He must also handle Ajax’s pressure better than he did in the opening match. Losing the ball centrally will immediately place his own defence in trouble.
Petar Sukačev – Vojvodina
Sukačev scored Vojvodina’s only goal in the first leg.
He found space in Ajax’s defensive structure and finished the opportunity confidently. His movement from the left into central positions could again cause problems, particularly if Ajax use an attacking full-back on that side.
Nardin Mulahusejnović – Vojvodina
The summer signing gives Vojvodina a physical presence in the penalty area.
He did not receive enough useful service in the first game, but the visitors may play more directly in Amsterdam. Crosses, second balls and set pieces should all be aimed towards him.
Expected Lineups
Ajax’s three-goal advantage makes rotation likely. These lineups are therefore provisional and should be checked again after the teams complete their weekend matches.
Ajax Expected Lineup
Formation: 4-3-3
Maarten Paes;
Anton Gaaei, Aaron Bouwman, Daley Blind, Caio Henrique;
Youri Regeer, Davy Klaassen, Jorthy Mokio;
Steven Berghuis, Marcos Leonardo, Mika Godts.
Possible alternatives: Lucas Rosa could remain at right-back, while Oscar Gloukh may keep his midfield place. Kasper Dolberg, Abdellah Ouazane, Don-Angelo Konadu and Mohamed Abdalla are also realistic options.
Vojvodina Expected Lineup
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Dragan Rosić;
Lazar Nikolić, Siniša Tanjga, Đorđe Crnomarković, Lucas Barros;
Njegoš Petrović, Ifet Đakovac;
Lazar Ranđelović, Dejan Zukić, Petar Sukačev;
Nardin Mulahusejnović.
Possible alternatives: Mihai Butean could replace Tanjga or start at full-back. Stefan Mitrović and Milutin Vidosavljević offer more pace and direct running if Vojvodina decide to select a more aggressive team.
Head-to-Head
Ajax and Vojvodina also met in European qualifying in 2024.
Ajax won the first leg in Amsterdam 1-0 and then recorded a 3-1 victory in Serbia, progressing 4-1 on aggregate.
The first meeting of the current tie produced exactly the same aggregate score after only one match, with Ajax winning 4-1 in Novi Sad.
The three completed competitive meetings have therefore all been won by Ajax:
- Ajax 1-0 Vojvodina – 25 July 2024
- Vojvodina 1-3 Ajax – 1 August 2024
- Vojvodina 1-4 Ajax – 23 July 2026
Ajax have scored eight goals across those matches and conceded twice.
Betting Markets
Early prices are available, but they may move significantly after the weekend fixtures and the release of team news.
Ajax to Win
Ajax are available at approximately 1.16 to 1.22 to win the second leg. The draw is priced around 5.10 to 5.50, while a Vojvodina victory is available between 10.00 and 10.25.
Those prices accurately reflect the difference between the teams, but an Ajax win at 1.20 or shorter offers little value on its own.
The aggregate situation also allows the home side to manage the match rather than play at maximum intensity for 90 minutes.
Verdict: Very likely, but too short as a single bet.
Ajax AH -1.5
Ajax are priced at approximately 1.67 to win by at least two goals.
This is more interesting than the standard home win. Ajax won by three goals away from home and should create more space once Vojvodina push forward.
The main concern is squad rotation. Ajax do not need another large win, so a professional 1-0 or 2-1 result would be enough for them.
Even so, the quality difference and the likely match pattern make the two-goal handicap realistic.
Verdict: Strong option.
Ajax AH -2.5
Ajax are available at approximately 2.55 to win by three or more goals.
They covered this line in Serbia, but repeating that margin is not guaranteed. Míchel may rest several established players after the tie was effectively settled in the opening game.
Verdict: Attractive price, but better suited to a smaller stake.
Over 3.5 Goals
Over 3.5 goals is priced around 2.20, with Under 3.5 available at approximately 1.60.
The first leg produced five goals, and Vojvodina must attack. That should create opportunities at both ends.
However, Ajax may slow the game down if they establish another lead. The home side have no reason to turn the match into a chaotic contest.
Verdict: The over is possible, but the price is not generous enough to make it the main selection.
Both Teams to Score
Both Teams to Score – Yes is available around 1.95, while the No option is priced at approximately 1.75.
Vojvodina scored in the first leg and will be forced to take risks, but Ajax have conceded only once in their last four matches.
A rotated Ajax defence could give the visitors a chance, although Vojvodina’s recent European attacking numbers are not especially convincing.
Verdict: BTTS – No has a slight statistical argument, but Ajax’s likely rotation makes it less reliable.
Ajax to Win Both Halves
Ajax should control most of the game, but this market carries more risk than it first appears.
The hosts could win the opening half, reduce the tempo after the break and use several young substitutes. A one-sided match does not always produce an Ajax victory in both periods.
Verdict: Avoid unless the starting lineup is close to full strength.
Best Bet
Ajax AH -1.5
The strongest betting selection for Ajax vs Vojvodina is:
Ajax AH -1.5 – odds around 1.67
The first leg gave us a clear picture of the difference between the teams.
Ajax were able to create chances through controlled possession, pressing and quick combinations around the penalty area. Vojvodina could not consistently protect the spaces between midfield and defence.
The visitors now have to become even more adventurous. They cannot sit inside their own half and wait for Ajax to make a mistake because they are three goals behind on aggregate.
That should produce more space for Ajax’s forwards.
Rotation is the main risk, but the home squad still contains enough technical quality to win by two goals. Players such as Marcos Leonardo, Caio Henrique, Jorthy Mokio and Abdellah Ouazane will also be motivated to impress if selected.
Best Bet: Ajax AH -1.5
Minimum acceptable odds: 1.65
Score Prediction
Ajax 3-0 Vojvodina
Vojvodina are likely to show ambition during the early stages, but their need to attack should eventually work against them.
Ajax do not need to force the match. They can move the ball patiently, wait for the visitors to leave their shape and then use the space behind the midfield.
The home side should also have enough quality on the bench to maintain their level during the second half.
A clean sheet is not guaranteed if Ajax rotate heavily, but Vojvodina have scored only twice in their three European matches this summer.
Correct score prediction: Ajax 3-0 Vojvodina
Alternative prediction: Ajax 3-1 Vojvodina
FAQ
When is Ajax vs Vojvodina?
The match will be played on Thursday, 30 July 2026.
What time does Ajax vs Vojvodina start?
Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 in Amsterdam and 21:00 in Serbia and Bulgaria.
Where will the match be played?
The second leg will be played at the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam.
What happened in the first leg?
Ajax won 4-1 in Novi Sad. Klaassen, Berghuis, Gloukh and Abdalla scored for Ajax, while Sukačev scored Vojvodina’s goal.
What does Vojvodina need to qualify?
Vojvodina must win by at least three goals to force extra time. A victory by four or more goals would take them through without extra time.
Who is the favourite?
Ajax are the clear favourite. Early bookmakers price the home victory between approximately 1.16 and 1.22.
Will Marcos Leonardo play?
The Brazilian was an unused substitute in the first leg. The comfortable aggregate advantage gives Míchel a good opportunity to hand him his Ajax debut, although his involvement has not yet been confirmed.
What is the best bet?
Ajax AH -1.5 is the preferred selection at odds of 1.65 or higher.
What is the score prediction?
The predicted result is Ajax 3-0 Vojvodina.
Conclusion
Ajax have already completed the difficult part of this tie.
Winning 4-1 away from home means they can approach the second leg with patience. They do not need an early goal, they do not need to take unnecessary risks and they do not need to expose their defence while chasing the result.
Vojvodina are in the opposite position.
The Serbian side must attack, but attacking Ajax at the Johan Cruijff ArenA without leaving defensive spaces is extremely difficult. Their summer signings have improved the squad, but the team has conceded nine goals in three European fixtures and still looks vulnerable when opponents move the ball quickly.
Míchel is expected to rotate, although Ajax’s alternatives are strong enough to maintain control. Marcos Leonardo, Caio Henrique and several academy players could receive valuable minutes without dramatically reducing the quality of the home team.
The second leg may not be as intense as the opening match, but Ajax should still produce enough chances to record another comfortable victory.
Final prediction: Ajax to win
Best bet: Ajax AH -1.5
Correct score prediction: Ajax 3-0 Vojvodina
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