(Football news) After a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Napoli in the Champions League last week, Liverpool will play host to Ajax who defeated Scottish side Rangers by four goals. The Reds have had enough rest due to the Premier League fixtures being postponed this weekend which would give Jurgen Klopp and his team more time to prepare against their Dutch opponents. It’s fair to say that Liverpool have had a very underwhelming start to their season and are now already playing catch-up for a place in the Champions League Round of 16.
Liverpool are currently third in their Group, which means that they would be demoted to the Europa League if their poor performances continue but they can take solace in the fact that the team has not endured back-to-back losses at the beginning of Europe’s top flight club competition before and have won their last two home games. As things stand, the Reds are currently unbeaten in 10 games at Anfield with their last defeat coming against Inter Milan in the Champions League last season. Last season, both Ajax and Liverpool finished with a perfect 18 points in the Group Stages. Ajax are in fine form despite the departure of Erik ten Hag, Lisandro Martinez and Antony, winning six games in six matches across all tournaments so far.
In team news, Thiago Alcantara will be available for selection for Liverpool while Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Curtis Jones remain unavailable. Fabio Carvalho will hope to feature in the starting XI after recovering from a dead leg but Ibrahima Konate, Calvin Ramsay and Caoimhin Kelleher are doubtful. Andy Robertson is also expected to miss out after sustaining a knee injury against Napoli. With Thiago back in the mix, Klopp is expected to bench James Milner while Joel Matip will replace Joe Gomez in defence. The German manager is expected to name his strongest possible lineup, especially considering that their match against Chelsea on Sunday has been postponed due to the Queen’s funeral.
As for Ajax, Steven Bergwijn is doubtful after picking up an injury against Rangers despite featuring on the weekend against Heerenveen. Left-back Owen Wijndal is back in contention after recovering from an ankle injury while Calvin Bassey has taken a knock on his foot but should recover in time for the match. Given Liverpool’s recent struggles and Ajax’s form, a draw seems to be the most likely result from this fixture.
Also read: Premier League postpones three games due to Queen’s funeral
