As for the visitors, while Ajax may have gone about it the hard way against Greek champions PAOK last week, their dramatic 5-4 aggregate win has seen them now extend their winning run to three matches on the bounce. Enjoying a stellar campaign both domestically and in Europe last season, along with lifting their first Eredivisie title in five years, Erik ten Hag s men also secured a spot in the semi-final of the Champions League before eventually crashing out against Tottenham at the Johan Cruijff Arena. Despite now scoring 16 goals in their last five appearances, Ajax do have some defensive issues that need resolving. Along with shipping four goals against PAOK over both legs, they have recorded just a pair of clean sheets in any of their last 16 contests. Although the Dutch heavyweights might still be feeling the effects of both Frankie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt securing summer moves away from Amsterdam, Ajax will be boosted by managing to keep hold of attacking talisman, Dusan Tadic. Once again finding the net against VVV Venlo last weekend, the former Southampton man has five in his last five across all competitions.
Team News
Holding midfielder Carel Eiting and playmaker Siem de Jong are expected to miss out through injury again, while the newly signed Edson Alvarez and Razvan Marin look to replace the departed Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong.
