Ajax vs Borussia Dortmund preview

November 20, 2012
By: Matthew Clarke

Having impressed in two matches against Manchester City, Ajax hope to further boost their qualifying chances by beating group leaders Borussia Dortmund.

BVB, on the other hand, only need one point to qualify, but nobody would be surprised if they end up winning in Amsterdam.

The Dutch giants have experienced numerous problems following the departure of several important players in the summer, and they were given almost no chances to progress from the group of death.

Predictions seemed to be spot on when Ajax were beaten by both Borussia and Real Madrid, but the Amsterdammers largely impressed to beat Manchester City at home before bringing one point from Etihad.

Frank de Boer’s side are still three and four points adrift of Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, but they are not giving up just yet.

Ajax have shown some improvement in the league as well, winning last two fixtures, and BetFred has them at 4.33 (10/3) to make it three in a row.

Keneth Vermeer and Toby Alderweireld should return to the side, but Ryan Babel, Thulani Serero, Davy Klaassen, Nicolai Boilesen and Kolbeinn Sigthorsson are unavailable.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Vermeer – Van Rhijn, Alderweireld, Moisander, Blind – Schone, Poulsen, De Jong – Boerrigter, Eriksen, Babel.

While winning their second successive Bundesliga title, Borussia Dortmund failed to get past the Champions League group stage last season.

Having been placed in such a difficult group this term, BVB were predicted another disappointing campaign, but Jurgen Klopp’s side were quick to prove the doubters wrong.

Despite experiencing some problems on domestic stage, Borussia excelled in Europe, making giant strides towards the next stage and taking 8 points from 4 group games.

Impressive showings against mighty Real Madrid nominated the Germans as serious contenders for the first place in the group, so no wonder Sportingbet pays just 1.70 (7/10) on Borussia to win Group D.

A victory in Amsterdam would see them ensure their place in the next phase, with BetFred paying 1.91 (10/11) on away win.

Boss Jurgen Klopp has no fresh injury worries, although Marco Reus is set to return after being rested at the weekend.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Weidenfeller – Piszczek, Subotic, Hummels, Schmelzer – Gundogan, Bender – Blaszczykowski, Reus, Goetze – Lewandowski.

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