UEFA Champions League
Ajax vs Tottenham Preview
- Date: Wed, May 08, 2019
- Time: 3:00 p.m. (est)
- Network: TNT and Univision
- Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Venue: Johan Cruijff ArenA
- Seating Capacity: 54,990
The Cinderella story continues for Ajax as they play host to Tottenham on Wednesday.
Tottenham have a one-goal deficit to overturn after a great struck by Donny van de Beek in the first leg.
While Tottenham isn’t really a giant when you compare them to Real Madrid or Juventus, the English side has dwarfs the Dutch side in player salaries this season.
Though the away goal justifies the home team as favorites, a one goal lead isn’t enough and opens the door for a Spurs comeback.
Nonetheless, both sides come to this game knowing that the winner will square off against Liverpool at the Wanda Metropolitano in Madrid.
Team News
Ajax have no fresh injuries this week and managed to rest most of their players in a win at Willem II. Additionally, the Dutch side gave some valuable minutes to veteran Klass-Jan Huntelaar.
Son Hung-min returns this week for Mauricio Pochettino after paying a one-game suspension. Son has tallied four of his team’s eight goals so far in this knockout round.
However, they will continue to be without star striker Harry Kane who is recovering from an ankle injury.
Additionally, center-back Jan Vertonghen was withdrawn from the first-leg with what seem to have been a concussion. Though it only ended being a knock to the head from his own teammate, the team is waiting to see on his fitness prior to the game.
Predicted Lineups
Ajax XI (4-3-3): Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Blind, Tagliafico; Schone, De Jong, Ziyech; Van de Beek, Neres, Tadic.
Tottenham XI (4-4-2): Lloris; Trippier, Vertonghen, Alderweireld, Rose; Sissoko, Wanyama, Alli, Eriksen, Son, Lucas.
Prediction (Ajax vs Tottenham Preview)
Tottenham continue to be shorthanded withouth Kane in their lineup. However, Ajax’s speed and agility give the Dutch side a greater advantage. Additionally, playing at home gives them more of an edge.
Nonetheless, after what we saw in the Liverpool against Barcelona game I won’t be surprised if Tottenham can pull a win. However, it won’t be enough to get them to the finals.
Prediction: Ajax 1 – 2 Tottenham
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Written by Edgar Gomez
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Photo credit to hoang back via Flickr
