Prediction and odds for the game: Ajax (15/4) v Liverpool (7/10)
We are backing the away win
When: Wednesday, 21st October 2020, Kick-off 20:00
Where: The Johan Cruyff Arena
On Wednesday night, two of the biggest names in European football Ajax and Liverpool clash at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Group D of the Champions League.
Ajax
The Dutch giants have made a solid start to the new campaign, winning four of their first five league games. Last time out, Erik ten Hag’s team trounced Heerenveen 5-1 at the Johan Cruyff Arena. The game followed a familiar high-scoring trend for the home side, who have scored at least two goals in three of their last four matches.
Their star men in front of goal so far this season have been Serbian playmaker Dusan Tadic and Brazilian youngster Antony, who have both scored three goals this season. The latter looks an exciting prospect.
Ajax will be looking to enjoy a stronger campaign in the Champions League than last season when they failed to make it out of a group containing Valencia, Chelsea and Lille. With dangerous Italian outfit Atalanta also in the group, the Dutch team will have to be at their best to book their place in the knockout stages of Europe’s elite competition.
The Dutch champions are usually strong on home soil, but they have struggled for home wins of late in the Champions League. A record of three wins from their previous nine home matches in the competition is not a great one.
Liverpool
The Merseysider’s head into this clash on the back a relatively poor run of form by the high standards the Reds set last season. A controversial 2-2 derby draw at local rivals Everton last time out means that the visitors head into this clash on the back of a three-game winless run in all competitions.
The derby draw was a costly one, as star centre-back Virgil van Dijk picked up a knee injury that could keep him sidelined for the rest of the season. The Reds also have doubts over the fitness of Spanish international midfielder Thiago, who also picked up an injury during the game against Everton.
Liverpool’s recent record in the Champions League is not great compared to their European record in the past, as Jurgen Klopp’s team has won just once in their previous four games in Europe’s elite competition. Part of that recent inconsistent recent European record is inconsistent away form, as they have won three and lost three of their previous six Champions League games on their travels.
Conclusion
Liverpool are favourites to win this clash, but Ajax will feel that the visitors are slightly vulnerable without the likes of Alisson and Van Dijk. We are still predicting Klopp’s team will get the job done in the Dutch capital. The other bet we are backing is over 3.5 goals scored, as both these teams strengths lie in attack at the moment.
Verdict: We are backing the away win at odds of 4/7 and/or over 3.5 goals scored at odds of 6/5. (All odds are taken from Bet365)
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Who will come out on top in the Dutch capital?
