Ajax can take a step towards reaching the Champions League knockout round when they host Midtjylland on Wednesday. Kick-off in Amsterdam is at 8pm.
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After three games, Ajax has four points and are level with Italian side Atalanta Bergamo. Erik ten Hag’s side knows a victory over Midtjylland and Atalanta in their remaining home games should be enough to take them into the next round, should Liverpool defeat the Italians on Wednesday.
Ajax defeated Midtjylland 2-1 in Denmark two weeks ago, and the club are currently in excellent form having won their last five league games in a row, scoring 21 goals in them. At the weekend, Heracles Almelo were on the end of a 5-0 hammering.
Midtjylland, who sit at the bottom of the group without a point, have shown some form since the defeat to Ajax. They have won three games on the bounce including the weekend’s 2-1 victory over AGF.
Team News
Davy Klaassen came off injured for Ajax against Heracles but is set to be fit to face Midtjylland. Antony will also be available.
Mohammed Kudus is still out injured. Zakaria Labyad may start after impressing against Heracles with two goals and an assist.
Possible Ajax line-up: Onana, Mazraoui, Tagliafico, Schuurs, Blind, Gravenberch, Klaassen, Labyad, Neres, Antony, Tadic
Midtjylland will be without midfielder Evander, who has coronavirus. Former Heerenveen players Daniel Hoegh and Andres Dreyer could feature.
Possible Midtjylland line-up: Hansen, Cools, Paulinho, Sviatchenko, Scholz, Madsen, Cajuste, Onyeka, Dreyer, Sisto, Kaba
Odds
Ajax 3/10 Draw 19/4 Midtjylland 8/1
Must win game for Ajax
If Ajax continues to show the form they have in the league then there is no reason why they cannot ease to victory on Wednesday. Dusan Tadic is in great form, while David Neres and Zakaria Labyad were excellent at the weekend. Ten Hag’s side are also looking defensively strong with Schuurs and Blind at the back.
The availability of Klaassen and Antony is also a boost for Ten Hag, who will want to ensure their Champions League fate remains in their hands with a simple win.
Ajax need to get past Midtjylland and then start preparing for the tougher games which are to come.
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