Tottenham Hotspur will look to keep their disappointment of the Premier League behind them when they take on Ajax in the semi-final of the Champions League tonight. Spurs have not been able to win either of their last two matches, jeopardising their chances of qualifying for the top four. So it has become even more critical for them to advance to the final of the competition to be in with a shot of winning it.
Ajax, on the other hand, have been the kingslayers this season and have beaten heavyweights like Juventus and Real Madrid in the last two rounds to advance to the semifinal. However, with both the sides being equally matched in skills and talents, it is expected to be an enthralling clash when the north London club take on the Dutch giants at the White Hart Lane for the first leg of the Champions League semifinal.
Team News
Tottenham Hotspur
Mauricio Pochettino will be without a number of his key players, the biggest of whom is their talisman, Harry Kane. Among the others, Moussa Sissoko, Serge Aurier and Erik Lamela are the ones who are set to miss the crucial clash against Ajax.
Ajax
The Dutch giants don’t have any significant injury to deal with other than the Argentine left-back Nicolas Tagliafico, who is set to miss the next match with an injury. Another defender Noussair Mazraoui is also injured, but he is expected to make it into the squad for the game. All the other first-team players are expected to make it to White Hart Lane for the first leg of the matchup against Spurs.
Predicted Lineups
Tottenham Hotspur
Lloris, Vertonghen, Sanchez, Alderweireld, Trippier, Rose, Dier, Alli, Eriksen, Son, Lucas.
Ajax
Onana, Veltman, De Ligt, Blind, Mazraoui, De Jong, Schone, Van De Beek, Neres, Ziyech, Tadic.
Key Men
Tottenham Hotspur
In the absence of Harry Kane, the onus will be on Heung-Min Son and Lucas Moura to lead the line for Spurs. The duo have not been able to do anything significant in the last couple of matches in the Premier League and would look to make an impact tonight. Captain and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has been in brilliant form and would have to play a large role in the goal against the might of the Ajax attack. Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld have to be on their toes to keep the opposition from taking aim on the target.
Ajax
Mathijs De Ligt has been an inspirational leader through the season and is expected to play another crucial role in the next match as well. The midfield maestro, Frenkie De Jong, has also been in scintillating form in midfield along with David Neres and Dusan Tadic up front. They would be expected to give the Spurs defenders a run for their money.
Odds
Tottenham Hotspur Win: 2.60
Draw: 3.40
Ajax Win: 2.90
