Get set for a thrilling Champions League clash as Marseille host Ajax at Stade Vélodrome on September 30, 2025, at 19:00 GMT+0, with English referee Anthony Taylor overseeing the action. This Matchday 2 encounter, set in the 67,394-capacity venue in Marseille, sees both teams chasing their first points after opening losses in the competition.
Marseille, under Roberto De Zerbi, aim to leverage their home strength to rebound from a controversial loss, while Ajax, led by John Heitinga, seek to end a four-game European losing streak. With injuries impacting both sides, Marseille vs Ajax betting tips will hinge on who can capitalize on their opponent’s vulnerabilities in this high-stakes showdown.
Betting Tips and Match Insights
To craft a sharp Marseille vs Ajax prediction today, you need to dive into their recent form and storied head-to-head history. Marseille’s home dominance in Ligue 1 contrasts with Ajax’s away struggles in the Eredivisie. Their past meetings, including a 4-3 Marseille thriller in 2023, suggest goals galore. The stats below unpack performances and trends to guide your bets. Expect a fiery clash where Marseille’s attack meets Ajax’s resilience.
Marseille Results
Marseille have shown resilience in Ligue 1 but faltered in their Champions League opener against Real Madrid. Roberto De Zerbi’s side boasts two straight home clean sheets, including a win over PSG. Their attacking flair at Stade Vélodrome makes them a tough prospect.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 26/09/2025 | L1 | Strasbourg vs Marseille | 1-2 | W |
| 22/09/2025 | L1 | Marseille vs PSG | 1-0 | W |
| 16/09/2025 | CL | Real Madrid vs Marseille | 2-1 | L |
| 12/09/2025 | L1 | Marseille vs Lorient | 4-0 | W |
| 31/08/2025 | L1 | Lyon vs Marseille | 1-0 | L |
Marseille’s three wins in five, including a 4-0 rout of Lorient and a 1-0 upset over PSG, show their home strength. Their 2-1 loss to Real Madrid, marred by a controversial penalty, highlights defensive issues in Europe. Scoring eight goals in their last three Ligue 1 games signals attacking intent. Conceding in 21 of 22 Champions League games is a concern. Ajax will test their backline, but Vélodrome’s aura could lift them.
Ajax Results
Ajax have struggled to find consistency, with their Champions League return marred by a home loss to Inter. John Heitinga’s side has shown flashes of quality in the Eredivisie but remains winless on the road this season. Their European pedigree makes them dangerous despite recent setbacks.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 27/09/2025 | ERE | Ajax vs NAC Breda | 2-1 | W |
| 21/09/2025 | ERE | PSV vs Ajax | 2-2 | D |
| 17/09/2025 | CL | Ajax vs Inter | 0-2 | L |
| 13/09/2025 | ERE | Ajax vs Zwolle | 3-1 | W |
| 30/08/2025 | ERE | FC Volendam vs Ajax | 1-1 | D |
Ajax’s two wins in five, including a 3-1 victory over Zwolle, show attacking potential, but their 0-2 loss to Inter exposed defensive gaps. Two draws in three Eredivisie away games highlight road struggles. Scoring six goals in their last three league games keeps them dangerous. Their four-game European losing streak is a worry. Marseille’s home form will challenge their shaky defense.
Marseille vs Ajax Head-to-Head
Marseille and Ajax have a rich history, with Marseille unbeaten in their last five meetings, including a dramatic 4-3 win in 2023. Ajax’s lone Champions League win over Marseille came in 1971, driven by Johan Cruyff. Recent clashes have been high-scoring, promising an open game.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 30/11/2023 | EL | Marseille vs Ajax | 4-3 |
| 21/09/2023 | EL | Ajax vs Marseille | 3-3 |
| 20/07/2016 | CF | Marseille vs Ajax | 2-2 |
| 18/03/2009 | EL | Ajax vs Marseille | 2-2 |
| 12/03/2009 | EL | Marseille vs Ajax | 2-1 |
Marseille’s unbeaten run in five, with three wins and two draws, gives them a clear edge. The 4-3 thriller in 2023 at Vélodrome, powered by Aubameyang’s hat-trick, shows their home dominance. Four of five games saw both teams score, averaging 3.8 goals per game. Ajax’s 1971 win is their only success. This history points to a goal-heavy, Marseille-favored clash.
Probable Lineups for Marseille vs Ajax Football Match
The Champions League Matchday 2 clash at Stade Vélodrome on September 30, 2025, sees Marseille take on Ajax in a crucial battle for early points. Below are the predicted starting lineups, aligned with Marseille’s 4-2-3-1 and Ajax’s 4-2-3-1 formations, based on recent performances, player availability, and tactical setups. These selections reflect how Roberto De Zerbi and John Heitinga might approach this high-stakes encounter to gain an edge.
Marseille Predicted Lineup
Rulli (GK), Murillo (DF), Pavard (DF), Balerdi (DF), Medina (DF), Gomes (MF), Hojbjerg (MF), Greenwood (AM), O’Riley (AM), Weah (AM), Aubameyang (FW)
Ajax Predicted Lineup
Jaros (GK), Gaaei (DF), Itakura (DF), Sutalo (DF), Wijndal (DF), Taylor (MF), Klaassen (MF), Gloukh (AM), Edvardsen (AM), Weghorst (AM), Godts (FW)
Injured and Questionable Players
Both Marseille and Ajax face challenges with key players sidelined for this September 30, 2025, Champions League match, with injuries and other issues impacting their squads. The table below lists players unavailable for the clash, detailing their team and reason for absence. These absences could influence the game’s dynamics, particularly in midfield and attack.
| Team | Player | Reason |
| Marseille | Darly Bakola | Inactive |
| Marseille | Ruben Blanco | Inactive |
| Marseille | Geoffrey Kondogbia | Calf Injury |
| Marseille | Pol Lirola | Inactive |
| Marseille | Hamed Junior Traore | Thigh Injury |
| Ajax | Kasper Dolberg | Abdominal Strain |
| Ajax | James McConnell | Health Problems |
| Ajax | Branco van den Boomen | Back Injury |
Key Factors to Watch
To craft sharp Marseille vs Ajax betting tips, focus on the elements that could tip this Champions League clash. Injuries, form, and key players like Aubameyang will shape the outcome at Stade Vélodrome. Here’s what to keep an eye on for September 30, 2025:
- Marseille’s Home Strength: Two straight Ligue 1 clean sheets at Vélodrome, including against PSG, signal defensive solidity;
- Ajax’s European Struggles: Four straight UEFA losses, including a 0-2 to Inter, highlight vulnerabilities;
- Aubameyang’s Form: Five goals in two games against Ajax make him a major threat;
- Injury Woes: Marseille miss Kondogbia, Blanco, and Traore; Ajax lack van den Boomen and Dolberg;
- Weah’s Spark: Marseille’s goal-scorer against Real Madrid adds attacking bite;
- Ajax’s Away Woes: No competitive away wins this season, with three Eredivisie draws;
- No Scandals: Both teams are focused, with no off-field distractions reported;
- Berghuis’s Creativity: Ajax’s playmaker, with two assists in 2023, could unlock Marseille’s defense.
Free Tips on Marseille vs Ajax
To boost your Marseille vs Ajax match prediction for this Champions League Matchday 2 clash on September 30, 2025, at Stade Vélodrome, dive into the stats and context shaping this encounter. This list highlights critical angles, from historical encounters to external factors, to sharpen your betting strategy. Here are five tips to guide your wagers for this high-energy showdown.
- Head-to-Head Fireworks: Marseille’s unbeaten run in five meetings, including a 4-3 thriller in 2023, with four games seeing both teams score, suggests a goal-heavy clash;
- Home vs Away Contrast: Marseille’s two straight Ligue 1 clean sheets at home contrast with Ajax’s three draws and no wins in Eredivisie away games this season;
- Pitch Conditions: Vélodrome’s natural grass, likely pristine in September’s mild weather, favors Marseille’s attacking style over Ajax’s inconsistent road play;
- Referee Tendencies: Anthony Taylor’s average of 4.8 cards per UCL game makes over 4.5 cards a solid bet for a competitive match;
- Fan Influence: Marseille’s passionate home crowd could unsettle Ajax, especially in a tight game’s final moments.
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Marseille vs Ajax Match Prediction 2025
For the Marseille vs Ajax prediction 2025, I’m backing a 2-0 Marseille win, driven by their home dominance. Marseille’s two clean sheets at Vélodrome, including a 1-0 upset over PSG, show their strength, while Ajax’s four-game European losing streak and no away wins this season expose weaknesses. The Marseille vs Ajax odds likely favor the hosts around 1.65, reflecting their unbeaten run in five head-to-heads, including a 4-3 thriller in 2023. Ajax’s 0-2 loss to Inter, with just two shots on target, highlights their blunt attack, while Marseille’s Aubameyang, with five goals against Ajax, could exploit their defense, which has conceded in six straight UCL games. Marseille’s 2-1 loss to Real Madrid was unlucky, but their 4-0 Ligue 1 win over Lorient shows firepower. Ajax’s Berghuis offers hope, but injuries to key players like Dolberg limit them. Expect Marseille to control the game, with their attack overwhelming Ajax’s shaky backline for a comfortable victory.
Our Prediction: Marseille 2-0 Ajax
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Result | Marseille Win | 1.5 |
| Both Teams to Score | No | 2.08 |
| Total Goals | Under 2.5 | 2.32 |
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