Liverpool face tough Champions League test against Ajax
AFC Ajax vs Liverpool - 21/10/2020
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The 2020/21 UEFA Champions League kicks off this week, with Ajax welcoming Liverpool to the Johan Cruyff Arena on Wednesday.
Ajax and Liverpool face a though test against Atalanta in Group D, although Danish newcomers Midtjylland shouldn’t pose too many problems.
The Dutch outfit have started the season in strong form, winning four of their opening five Eredivisie games – scoring 11 goals while conceding just three.
Following clean-sheet victories over Sparta and Waalwijk, Ajax beat Vitesse before losing to Groningen in their first and only defeat of the campaign.
However, Erik ten Hag’s side bounced back in style last weekend, thrashing Heerenveen 5-1. Dusan Tadic bagged a brace, while Mohammed Kudus, Davy Klaassen and Antony also hit the target.
Despite losing key duo Hakim Ziyech and Donny van de Beek in the summer, ten Hag’s squad is still packed with top-quality players.
Ajax have netted over 1.5 goals while winning four of their previous seven Champions League games, so they are clearly a threat on the European stage.
On the flip side, Liverpool have endured a shaky start to the 2020/21 campaign. The English champions won their opening three Premier League games, but they have only managed to take one point from a possible six since then.
Before the international break, the Reds suffered a humiliating 7-2 defeat at the hands of Aston Villa before returning to action with a 2-2 draw against Everton.
Granted, Liverpool were extremely unlucky to lose the Merseyside derby, with a number of key decisions going against them.
Having said that, Jurgen Klopp’s men had plenty of opportunities to kill the game off, but they failed to get the better of their local rivals.
Head-to-head: Despite being European regulars, Ajax and Liverpool have only faced each other twice over the years.
Ajax crushed Liverpool 5-1 in the 1966/67 European Cup, with the Reds securing a 2-2 draw at Anfield in the reverse fixture.
Team news: Ajax have no fresh injury concerns ahead of Wednesday’s clash. Having notched up three goals and two assists in five appearances this term, Tadic is the Dutch side’s danger man.
By contrast, Liverpool will be without a number of key players. Virgil van Dijk and Thiago both picked up injuries last weekend, while Alisson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are also sidelined.
Despite being without a number of star performers, Liverpool should still have enough firepower to get the better of Ajax.
Forebet predicts that Liverpool will score over 1.5 goals and keep a clean sheet on their way to victory over Ajax on Wednesday.
Home team
Away team
Pred
Correct score
Avg. goals
Weather conditions
Coef.
Score
Live
coef.
UCL
312544
2
0 - 2
2.33
14°
1.63
5.00
4.70
1.63
1
1
-1
0 - 1(0 - 1)
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