Ajax are having a dream season that could see them win a historic treble. While pundits have talked about Barcelona possibly winning multiple trophies, Ajax could do the same.
Erik ten Hag’s team lifted the Dutch Cup on Sunday with a sterling 4-0 win over Willem II. Ajax sit at the top of the Eredivisie thanks to goal difference over PSV Eindhoven.
If Ajax are to win a treble, they must get past Tottenham Hotspur first in the Champions League semifinal. The Dutch club defeated Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 in London a week ago and will feel confident they can finish off the job at home on Wednesday.
Tottenham Hotspur have been universally praised for their play and results this season. But they are out of form and have been since striker Harry Kane went down with a season-ending ankle injury.
Spurs have lost five of their last six games in all competitions. Mauricio Pochettino’s players look incredibly tired as his thin squad is unable to cope with the stresses of the Premier League and Champions League at the moment.
Tottenham lost at the weekend 1-0 to Bournemouth. Spurs did benefit from both Arsenal and Manchester United dropping points, which has allowed them to remain fourth.
Centre-back Jan Vertonghen is a major doubt for Spurs. He suffered a head injury in the first leg and looked to have passed out when attempting to go back onto the pitch. His absence will be a major loss for the side.
Harry Winks, Erik Lamela, and Serge Aurier are also listed as doubts, and will join Kane in the stands to watch the game at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
Ten Hag doesn’t have the same injury worries as Pochettino. He should be able to call upon the same players for Wednesday night when the teams play the second leg in Amsterdam.
AFC Ajax’s progression in the Champions League should be commended. They progressed through the qualifying rounds just to reach the group stage. Ajax have been an underdog throughout the tournament, but on Wednesday night, they will be the favourite.
The second leg should be a higher scoring affair than the first leg in London. Tottenham Hotspur must go out and score to have any hope of progression to the final.
Spurs’ attack will leave them open at the back and Ajax should be able to pass their way through to goal. The second leg will see both sides score with Ajax coming out on top. The game should feature over 2.5 goals as Ajax advance to the final in Madrid.