Liverpool vs Ajax in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, hoping to rebound from their opening-game loss to Napoli.
Liverpool was given a dose of reality in Naples, where Napoli defeated Jurgen Klopp’s squad 4-1. Liverpool was severely outplayed last night. Therefore Klopp will need a strong response from his players in this match.
On the other hand, Ajax defeated Rangers by a score of 4-0 in their group opener, and they are optimistic about their chances against a faltering Liverpool squad. The Reds have had a dismal start to the current season, winning only three of their first eight competitive matches in all competitions.
It remains to be seen whether Liverpool’s players will be able to step up and grind out the first victory of their European campaign at Anfield tomorrow night after having some time to recover and reflect following the thrashing against Napoli.
On paper, Liverpool is the superior team, but Ajax has all the confidence and momentum. There is no reason they cannot pull off a victory in Merseyside.
Liverpool Team Information and Strategies
Since the beginning of the season, Liverpool has had several injury issues, and Tuesday’s game will be no different. Due to injury, Jurgen Klopp will be without several key players against Ajax.
Ibrahima Konate (knee) and Jordan Henderson (hamstring) remain out with separate injuries. Andrew Robertson, meanwhile, sustained an injury against Napoli and will be sidelined until after the international break.
Curtis Jones and Calvin Ramsay, both minors, are also sidelined. The midfielders Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were not selected for the UEFA Champions League team and will not participate.
After a strong performance against Napoli, Alisson Becker is anticipated to remain in goal. Trent Alexander-Arnold is the only right-back now available in the team, and he is expected to start once again.
On the other hand, Joel Matip is anticipated to start ahead of Joe Gomez, who performed poorly against Napoli last time. Kostas Tsimikas will replace the injured Andrew Robertson. Matip will partner Virgil van Dijk at the heart of Liverpool’s defense.
In the midfield, Liverpool received a significant boost. Thiago Alcantara is anticipated to start with Fabinho and Harvey Elliott in the middle of the field after returning to play last week.
Darwin Nunez is expected to make his UEFA Champions League debut for Liverpool against Ajax, with Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz expected to start alongside him in the final third.
How to Watch Liverpool vs Ajax UCL Match
| Game: | Liverpool vs Ajax |
| Date: | September 13/14, 2022 |
| Kick-off: | 8:00pm BST / 3:00pm ET / 12:30am IST |
| Stream: | fuboTV (start with free trial) |
READ MORE: How to watch 2022/23 Champions League Matchday 2: Fixture & Preview of Matchday 1
Ajax Team Information and Strategies
The only injury concern for Ajax this week is Mohamed Ihattaren, so Alfred Schreuder is anticipated to pitch the same lineup that defeated Rangers 4-0.
Ajax will likely employ their fluid 4-3-3 formation and attack the opposition in this match.
Remko Pasveer will start in goal, while Devyne Rensch, Jurrien Timber, Calvin Bassey, and Daley Blind will form the back four.
Edson Alvarez, Steven Berghuis, and Kenneth Taylor should form a three-person midfield for Ajax against Liverpool, while Mohammed Kudus will lead the line behind Susan Tadic and Steven Bergwijn.
Key Figures
- Liverpool has won their last two UEFA Champions League encounters against Ajax.
- Ajax is seeking its first victory over a Premier League power since 1996. They are winless against the English club in their last five meetings.
- In the last 46 European campaigns, Liverpool has only twice lost their opening home game.
- Ajax has lost just two of their previous twenty-five European road matches.
- Napoli handed Liverpool its joint-heaviest Champions League loss, and the Reds have never lost their first two matches in any European campaign.
Liverpool Predictable lineup:
Liverpool Lineup (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, van Dijk, Tsimikas; Elliott, Fabinho, Thiago; Salah, Nunez, Diaz (probable)
Ajax Lineup (4-3-3): Pasveer; Rensch, Timber, Bassey, Blind; Berghuis, Alvarez, Taylor; Tadic, Kudus, Bergwijn (Probable )
Liverpool vs Ajax Prediction:
Liverpool 2-1 Ajax
This will not be a simple match for Liverpool by any stretch of the imagination. Ajax is a well-drilled team that is highly effective moving forward. If Liverpool continues to defend in the same manner as they did against Napoli, they could be in for a long day.
Nevertheless, the return of Thiago makes a tremendous difference, and Liverpool will be devastated following their humiliating loss to Napoli. They have the superior roster on paper and should be able to win. The Hard Tackle forecasts a 2-1 victory for the Reds versus Ajax.
