Sion vs AFC Ajax

Sion and Ajax meet in the Conference League playoff round on 20 August, with a group-stage place on the line and the return leg following a week later in Amsterdam. It's a huge occasion for the Swiss side, who have never faced a club of Ajax's European pedigree at this stage, while for Ajax it's a chance to salvage credibility after a rough campaign. Sion arrive full of confidence, having beaten BATE Borisov 4-0 and Noah in earlier qualifying rounds before opening their domestic season with a 3-0 win over Luzern, sandwiched around an opening-day loss to Young Boys. Captain Ali Kabacalman and defender Jan Kronig have both said they believe Sion can spring an upset at Tourbillon. Ajax, meanwhile, finished only fifth in the Eredivisie last season after three coaching changes, but have rebounded with five straight wins under new boss Míchel, the former Girona manager, including a 2-0 win at PEC Zwolle. Ajax are still favourites given their four European Cup titles, but their inconsistency gives Sion genuine belief. Our prediction: 1-2