Liverpool will face Ajax in the opening fixture of their 2020/21 Champions League campaign on Wednesday night at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
The two sides haven’t met face to face in over 50 years, but it promises to be a cracking game.
Both the teams finished top of their respective leagues last season, but Ajax weren’t crowned champions as the competition was concluded abruptly due to the coronavirus pandemic without declaring the winner.
Liverpool are heading into this game on the back of a 2-2 draw against derby rivals Everton. Ajax, on the other hand, earned a convincing 5-1 victory against Heerenveen at the weekend in the Dutch league.
Where to watch?
Kick-off time: 20:00 (BST)
Watch on Tv (UK): The match will be shown live on BT Sport 2. Subscribers can also stream the match via the BT Sport website or app.
Live (USA): CBS All Access, TUDNxtra and fuboTV (Spanish only) (free trial).
Live Stream: Check here to watch all Champions League games live.
Team News
Ajax boss Erik ten Hag should have the luxury of an almost fully fit squad to choose from. Quincy Promes and Antony were rested in the last match, though the latter is out for the game.
Liverpool will be without their talisman defender Virgil van Dijk who is facing lengthy spells on the sideline.
The Reds are also without goalkeeper Alisson, summer signing Thiago Alcantara, centre-back Joel Matip and left-back Kostas Tsimikas.
Predicted line-ups
Ajax: Onana; Mazraoui, Schuurs, Blind, Tagliafico; Alvarez, Gravenberch; Neres, Kudus, Tadic; Labyad.
Liverpool: Adrian; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Fabinho, Robertson; Henderson, Wijnaldum, Keita; Salah, Firmino, Mane.
Prediction
Ajax lost two key players in Donny van de Beek and Hakim Ziyech this summer, but they have new talents in place to replenish the void.
The likes of Ryan Gravenberch and Mohammed Kudus looks very promising and they would be looking to test Liverpool’s fragile defence.
Despite the injuries, Jurgen Klopp is expected to field a strong side, and the Reds would be hoping to secure a positive result on their trip to Holland.
Prediction: Ajax 2-2 Liverpool
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