Liverpool v Ajax predictions: Merseyside men may be set for more misery

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Liverpool v Ajax in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Where to watch

BT Sport 2, 8pm Tuesday

Best bet

Ajax or draw double chance
1pt 8-5 Hills

Team news

Liverpool
Andy Robertson (knee) joins Jordan Henderson, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita, Ibrahima Konate and Curtis Jones on the sidelines, but Fabio Carvalho (dead leg) is available.

Ajax
Left back Owen Wijndal has missed the last four weeks but Calvin Bassey should be fine to continue.

Match preview

Liverpool's Champions League campaign got off to the worst possible start with a 4-1 loss away to Napoli and their chances of a top two finish could be damaged further by free-flowing Ajax.

Opposing Liverpool on a Champions League night at Anfield is not something that's done lightly.

Jurgen Klopp's men have won 12 of their last 14 group-stage home fixtures, including a 1-0 success over Ajax in December 2020 when midfielder Curtis Jones bagged the only goal.

However, Jones is among four midfield players on the Reds' injury list, joining Jordan Henderson, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita, and performances have been affected as Liverpool have made a generally poor start to the season.

Aside from the 9-0 victory over Bournemouth there has been a lack of cohesion and rhythm to Liverpool's performances.

And their weaknesses were ruthlessly exposed by Napoli, who pressed them from the first whistle and raced into a 4-0 lead inside 47 minutes.

In the circumstances it was probably beneficial for Liverpool to have a free weekend to clear their heads and identify where they have been going wrong.

But there is no easy way for Klopp to restore confidence to a group of players who have been wracked by self-doubt in recent weeks.

It might take a gritty, ugly win to get Liverpool moving forward, but nothing is likely to come easily against Ajax, who have been playing some delightful, front-foot football.

The Dutch champions had to contend with the departure of head coach Erik ten Hag and six key players - Andre Onana, Lisandro Martinez, Noussair Mazraoui, Ryan Gravenberch, Antony and Sebastien Haller – but they seem to be as strong as ever.

Ajax are top of the Eredivisie with a 100 per cent record and a goal difference of plus 18, and they got off to a superb start in the Champions League, winning 4-0 at home to Rangers.

Beating Rangers was a must for Ajax to have genuine hopes of reaching the knockout stages, but the manner of the win will have sent a strong message to Liverpool and Napoli.

The Dutch champions attacked the Gers with craft and intensity and rising star Mohammed Kudus scored the goal of the game to cap a performance full of athleticism and quality.

Kudus added another two goals in Saturday's 5-0 success at home to Heerenveen and his searing pace is an obvious threat to a Liverpool side who were caught square on numerous occasions last time out.

Ajax must prepare for a very different game against Liverpool, who will put them under much more pressure than any of their domestic opponents.

However, they are unlikely to be daunted by the challenge and have every chance of maintain their unbeaten status.

Key stat

Liverpool have failed to win five of seven games this season.

Inside info

Liverpool

Penalty taker Mohamed Salah
Assist ace Trent Alexander-Arnold
Set-piece aerial threat Virgil van Dijk
Card magnet Fabinho

Ajax

Penalty taker Dusan Tadic/Steven Berghuis
Assist ace Dusan Tadic
Set-piece aerial threat Edson Alvarez
Card magnet Edson Alvarez

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