Ajax host Greek champions PAOK on Tuesday night at the Johan Cruyff Arena. The two Champions League group stage hopefuls go into their second leg tie level at two goals apiece.
The Dutch team has the away goals advantage, but the second leg is on a knife’s edge as they clash in Amsterdam. Ajax had to come from behind in the first leg to leave Greece level. After opening the scoring through Hakim Ziyech, PAOK scored twice just before halftime.
Ajax striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar levelled the score in the second half to give Ajax the aggregate advantage. Now, PAOK must go to Amsterdam and attack Ajax.
The Dutch champions head into the match with a new look. Nine players from Ajax’s Champions League semifinal squad from last season were sold during the offseason. Manager Erik ten Hag still has plenty of top-quality players in his squad including Huntelaar, Ziyech, and Dusan Tadic.
PAOK are yet to begin their Greek Super League season. Fitness could be an issue for Abel Ferreira’s team. Ajax have played four matches in all competitions already with matches in the Champions League, Dutch Super Cup, and Eredivisie all taking place.
Ten Hag’s team suffered a setback to start the Eredivisie season thanks to a 2-2 draw with Vitesse. However, last weekend, Ajax throttled Emmen 5-0 to get themselves ready for PAOK’s visit.
PAOK were not in action and the lack of match time could be a factor in Tuesday night’s result. The Greek side have an exciting young striker in 23-year-old Chuba Akpom. The former Arsenal player joined PAOK in 2018 after appearing for a number of clubs on loan.
He has scored nine goals in 33 matches in all competitions for PAOK. This season could be his breakout moment as a footballer. Akpom scored in the first leg and should get a start against Ajax once more.
Preparing for the third part of #PAOK Vs @AFCAjax trilogy #UCL #TheFutureIsHere #OwnTheTop pic.twitter.com/Osjz50iOUe— PAOK FC / ΠAOK (@PAOK_FC) August 12, 2019
Preparing for the third part of #PAOK Vs @AFCAjax trilogy #UCL #TheFutureIsHere #OwnTheTop pic.twitter.com/Osjz50iOUe
Ziyech and Huntelaar were on target again at the weekend for Ajax. Ziyech scored once while Huntelaar tallied two goals. Huntelaar now has three goals in all competitions. He is likely to start against PAOK as Ten Hag aims to prevent an early exit from the Champions League.
Last season, Ajax were one of the most exciting teams in the Champions League. Right now, they are on the verge of going out of the competition at the qualifying stage.
The Dutch team should show their strength against PAOK on Tuesday and get a win. The two clubs will combine for over 2.5 goals as Ajax edge past PAOK and progress to the playoff round.