Shelbourne benefit from being deep into their domestic season, meaning the Irish side should have a solid fitness base. However, when it comes to squad quality, technical ability, and overall depth, Ajax clearly hold the advantage.

Trailing 1-3 from the first leg, Shelbourne have little choice but to attack from the start. With the backing of the home crowd at Tolka Park, the hosts are expected to play with plenty of intensity and rely on their physical strength, aerial presence, and set-piece threat to create danger.

Ajax, meanwhile, head to Ireland with a comfortable two-goal cushion and the status of clear favourites. The Dutch giants possess superior passing quality, tactical flexibility, and individual talent, allowing them to dictate the tempo and frustrate Shelbourne’s attempts to turn the game into a physical battle.

With the advantage in hand, Ajax can afford to be patient, control possession, and wait for spaces to appear. The visitors are still expected to field a competitive lineup, with Kasper Dolberg, Mika Godts, and Steven Berghuis among the main attacking threats.

Tactically, Shelbourne could adopt a 4-4-2 or 4-5-1, looking to press high and find an early breakthrough that would bring them back into the tie. Ajax are likely to remain faithful to their 4-3-3 setup, using midfield control and quick attacks through the wings to stretch the Irish defense.

The first leg in Amsterdam, which Ajax won 3-1, was also the first-ever competitive meeting between the two clubs, adding another chapter to this newly established European matchup.