Two behemoths of European football clash for just the third time in Champions League history as Ajax takes on Liverpool at Anfield. The two sides couldn’t have had more contrasting fortunes in match week one. Ajax had a comfortable 4-0 victory over Rangers, whereas Napoli humbled Liverpool in Naples, 4-1.
Liverpool can’t afford to have another performance as they had in match week one if they have aspirations to avenge last season’s Champions League final defeat. A win keeps them in the conversation. A loss could foreshadow an embarrassing group stage exit for Jürgen Klopp’s men.
The small amount of history the two sides have weighs in the favor of the English side. Liverpool won both of their previous clashes back in the group stage of the 20/21 Champions League.
Curtis Jones scored the winner in the home fixture during that group stage, and just an own goal separated them in Holland.
Ajax at Liverpool Champions League Group Stage FYIs
Kick Off: Tuesday, Sep 13, 2022, at 8pm UK at Anfield
Competition: Group A, Match Day 2 of 6
Liverpool Starting XI Prediction: Go Here
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Google Result Probability: Liverpool 63% Ajax 18% Draw 19%
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Team News
Liverpool has been struck with an injury crisis to start this campaign. Thankfully, for their legion of fans, that crisis seems to be dissipating.
The Reds are still some ways off as far as having a full complement of players available. Let’s see what the gaffer has had to say about the players who are likely to miss out.
Jordan Henderson
‘We are still waiting for the result [of his MRI scan]. He is definitely out, he is injured, but the extent I don’t know.’
Ibrahima Konate
‘In and around the international break, he will be back in training.’
Fabio Carvalho
‘He is walking around again. He might be ready for the weekend, but we’re not absolutely sure.’
Curtis Jones
‘When Curtis was out previously, he had a stress reaction in a bone around the tibia. It was absolutely fine, but he trained twice and then felt it again. It’s not as bad as the first time but bad enough to [stop him] training. We have to be careful.’
Elsewhere, perennial treatment room attendees Alex Oxlade Chamberlain and Naby Keita are both still out. Calvin Ramsay is close to a return but is unlikely to see any game time this matchday.
In breaking news, Liverpool will be missing their first choice left back as Andy Robertson is set to miss out. Robertson will miss Liverpool’s Champions League meeting with Ajax after suffering a suspected knee injury
Stuey’s Two Cents
The time is now for Liverpool. If they cannot summon a victory here, the doomsayers will come out in force. I think the untimely postponement of the Wolves match might work in the Reds’ favor and they might win here. If they don’t, it could be the point of no return as far as the Red’s Champions League aspirations go.
Stuart Kavanagh is a journalist currently residing in Broken Hill, Australia. He writes for the Barrier Truth newspaper, along with being the owner of the sports and entertainment website thepyrrhic.com, He also co-hosts the ‘After Extra Time’ podcast and contributes at edgeofthecrowd.com when time permits.
Football mad, he is always down for debate and discussion at @stueyissickofit on Twitter.