Ajax vs Celtic Prediction: 24.07.2025 International Club Friendly 2025 Preview

As the summer friendlies roll on, the footballing spotlight swings to Bergen where Ajax and Celtic collide at Brann Stadion. This encounter in the International Club Friendly 2025 phase is more than just a pre-season test—it’s a tactical sparring match between two proud institutions, each with a legacy built on youth development and high-tempo football. While both managers, Johnny Heitinga for Ajax and Brendan Rodgers for Celtic, look to fine-tune their squads, the clash should offer a vivid glimpse into their evolving strategies ahead of the competitive campaign.

Watch for Ajax’s fleet-footed winger Brian Brobbey, who’s been breathing life into every attack with his movement and finishing. On Celtic’s side, keep an eye on Kyogo Furuhashi—the Japanese striker whose intelligence off the ball and clinical edge in front of goal can turn defensive errors into instant punishment.

In their recent outings, the “hot stat” is Celtic’s defensive steel: a tidy three clean sheets in their last five, underscoring a Rodgers side more robust and compact than in previous years.

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Ajax vs Celtic prediction

There’s little separating Ajax and Celtic on form—Ajax unbeaten in four Celtic winning four of their last five. The Dutch side have shaken off last season’s struggles, finding their groove under Heitinga, while Celtic arrive buoyed by their 4-0 thrashing of Newcastle. We fancy goals at both ends with neither backline immune to mistakes as tactical systems get tested, but also expect Celtic’s slightly superior sharpness, fitness, and recent win rate to tip the scales.

Best value is “Both Teams To Score” and “Over 2.5 Goals”. Why? Ajax’s matches average nearly three goals per friendly, while Celtic have conceded in only two of their last five—which hints at one reversal looming as Ajax’s attacking trident clicks. Fouls remain moderate (average under 10 per game), with both sides preferring fluid ball movement and patient buildup, but Ajax’s restructuring at the back could see some careless moments. Expect a rapid, open contest. The sides’ pressing will make corners plentiful as they force turnovers in advanced areas.

Team Analysis

Ajax recent games analysis
Ajax have taken impressive strides during July, blending their trademark 4-3-3 system with renewed attacking responsibility. Their 3-2 victory over Mechelen demonstrated resilience, overcoming a strong Belgian side in a match where Brobbey’s directness and the midfield’s vertical passing stood out. Notably, Ajax dispatched PAOK (2-1), having to claw back in the second half—suggesting a positive mentality but, at times, vulnerability on transitions. Their earlier draw with Aarhus (1-1) highlights slight defensive hesitancy, yet their 6-3 win against Hibernian reinforced their status as entertainers, if a little open at the back. Overall: Ajax are scoring freely but need more discipline against Celtic’s pace.

Celtic recent games analysis
Celtic approach this tie with verve. Their last outing, a 4-0 masterclass over Newcastle, was a showcase of Rodgers’ compact pressing system and Kyogo’s razor-sharp finishing. Celtic kept three clean sheets in their last five, including a solid 2-0 win against Sporting CP and a disciplined 1-0 victory over Queen’s Park. However, the 2-3 stumble versus Estrela revealed slight lapses under pressure—something Rodgers has likely addressed on the training pitch. Celtic’s transition from their familiar 4-4-2 to pressing high with occasional 4-2-3-1 shapes has paid dividends, particularly with the full-backs bombing on and the midfield controlling the rhythm.

Most recent Head-to-Head Matches

🚨Read our full Ajax vs Celtic stats for more analysis.

Pre-game odds and win probability: Ajax the favourite

• Moneyline Ajax 2.40 | Celtic 2.60
• Draw 3.45
• Over/Under Over 2.5 1.81 | Under 2.5 1.91
• BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 1.65 | No 2.35

Bookies give Ajax a wafer-thin edge—likely due to home advantage, but the odds stay tight, reflecting both clubs’ competitive natures and friendly unpredictability. Over 2.5 goals and BTTS are short for a reason: both teams are polished in attack and less tuned up at the back in friendlies. The “Draw No Bet” market slightly favours Celtic, given their tendency to grind results and superior recent win record. With such close pricing, sharp punters might look for movement closer to kick off.

You can find all our predictions for today’s games on our football betting tips page.

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Possible Starting Lineups

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The Verdict

We’re set for a cracking contest—Ajax hungry to impress, Celtic ruthless on the break. Expect spells of possession football from Ajax, with Celtic seeking to pounce on any slip in midfield. With both sides sporting recent high-scoring games and fielding line-ups that press and overload, my main pick is “Both Teams To Score & Over 2.5 Goals,” perhaps with Celtic just edging it thanks to superior recent sharpness and cohesion. Don’t be surprised if we’re left raving about a late winner—this fixture has all the ingredients of a summer classic!

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