Shelbourne vs Ajax takes place at 1:45 AM on August 14 in the Conference League qualifying round. Ajax head into the second leg with a commanding advantage after winning the first meeting 3-1 in Amsterdam. Here is our analysis of the latest team news, predicted lineups, key statistics and match prediction.

Shelbourne vs Ajax Form Guide

Shelbourne face a difficult task in the second leg after suffering a 3-1 defeat to Ajax in Amsterdam a week ago. The Irish side managed to score a late goal in the first leg, but the difference in quality between the two teams was evident throughout the match.

Across their last 20 games in all competitions, Shelbourne have recorded six wins, eight draws and six defeats. Their home form has also been inconsistent, with the attack often struggling to break down well-organised opposition.

Following their defeat to Ajax, Shelbourne suffered another setback as they lost 2-1 to St Patrick's in the League of Ireland. Before that, John Russell's side had beaten Waterford 1-0 and defeated Nomme Kalju 5-3 on aggregate in the Conference League qualifiers.

However, conceding three goals against Ajax highlighted the defensive problems Shelbourne will need to address. They have little choice but to attack aggressively if they want to overturn the two-goal deficit, but doing so could leave spaces for Ajax to exploit.

Ajax, meanwhile, have been in excellent form. The Dutch giants have won 11, drawn six and lost just three of their last 20 matches across all competitions.

More importantly, Ajax have won their last four competitive fixtures, beating Shelbourne 3-1, Vojvodina 4-1, Volendam 3-1 and PEC Zwolle 2-0 away from home.

Their attacking players have also been highly effective, with Mika Godts, Kasper Dolberg and Steven Berghuis consistently making an impact in the final third.

With a 3-1 advantage from the first leg, Ajax can afford to control the tempo and avoid unnecessary risks. Head coach John Heitinga could rotate several players to preserve energy ahead of the Eredivisie meeting with Heerenveen this weekend.

Even with potential changes to the starting XI, however, Ajax still possess significantly greater squad depth and quality than Shelbourne. With a two-goal advantage and superior recent form, the Dutch side should be capable of completing the job without too much trouble.

Latest Team News

Shelbourne are monitoring the fitness of striker Ademipo Odubeko ahead of the second leg.

Ajax, meanwhile, are expected to rotate their squad and may not field their strongest possible starting XI.

Predicted Lineups

Shelbourne (4-3-3): Beach; Mbeng, Ledwidge, Barrett, Norris; Kelly, McInroy, Coote; Caffrey, Freitas, Moore.

Ajax (4-3-3): Paes; Rosa, Bouwman, Blind, Wijndal; Klaassen, Regeer, Gloukh; Berghuis, Dolberg, Edvardsen.

Key Stats and Betting Trends

3+ Goals Expected

Five of Shelbourne's last six matches have produced at least three goals.

Ajax have also been extremely productive in attack, scoring 18 goals across their last six matches at an average of three goals per game.

Plenty of First-Half Goals

All three of Ajax's Conference League matches so far this season have produced at least two goals in the opening 45 minutes.

Shelbourne have also seen two first-half goals in each of their last two matches.

First-Half Corners

Ajax have recorded at least five first-half corners in eight consecutive matches.

Meanwhile, three of Shelbourne's last five games have also produced at least five corners before half-time.

Shelbourne vs Ajax Prediction

Ajax's 3-1 victory in the first leg puts the Dutch side in a commanding position ahead of the return fixture.

Given their superior squad quality, stronger recent form and two-goal advantage, Ajax should be able to control the game and secure their place in the next round.