Verdict: Total goals under 2.5
Best odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Bet365
Ajax welcome Juventus to the Johann Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam on Wednesday, in what will be the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal clash.
Ajax
Ajax have surprised most of the football world in the Champions League round of 16 this season, when they came back from a home defeat to knock the defending title holders Real Madrid from their perch and out of the competition. The Dutch champions have a very young team, complemented by a few more experienced players, and even though many believe them still to be the underdogs in this stage of the competition, they should not be underestimated.
Team News
Manager Erik ten Hag has no new injury concerns. with striker Hassan Bande and midfielder Carel Eiting long term absentees.
Juventus
The Serie A title holders are determined to add to their domestic supremacy by winning Europe’s elite competition this season. They’ve signed Cristiano Ronaldo to that end last summer from Real Madrid, and they certainly don’t lack determination. Atletico Madrid would be able to confirm that, having bowed out in the previous round through a second-leg defeat in Turin after comprehensively winning the first leg at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Team News
Massimilano Allegri has a few problems. Midfielder Emre Can had to be replaced during the win over AC Milan at the weekend and has been ruled out. Winger Juan Cuadrado and defenders Giorgio Chiellini and Andre Barzagli are also out, while forward Douglas Costa should have returned from injury against Milan, but he was left out.
Conlcusion
The two teams will likely apply a cautious approach to the first leg. They will build their attacks with patience, risking as little as possible at the back. This especially goes for Juventus, who will look to walk away with a result which would give them a good foundation to finish the job later in Turin.
Verdict: Total goals under 2.5
Best odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Bet365
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