Champions League, Ajax vs Tottenham: Preview, Dream11 and more
Tottenham Hotspur face a resurgent Ajax in the semi-finals first leg of the UEFA Champions League 2018-19 season. Spurs, who lost over the weekend in the Premier League, will face a stern test at home against a fresh Ajax side, who enjoyed a rest. Both teams have played an exciting brand of football this season. Here's the detailed match preview.
Team news and selection
Spurs will be without long-term absentees Harry Kane and mid-fielder Harry Winks. Also, the London outfit will be without the in-form forward Son Heung-min, who is suspended. Moussa Sissoko is set to return from a groin injury. Lucas Moura will take the role in attack. For Ajax, there is no serious injury issues to deal with at the moment.
View point: What did the managers say?
"When you achieve things it's because you dream them. To be in the Champions League semi-final with Tottenham was a dream five years ago - but we're living the dream," said Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino. "It's amazing that we're in the semi-finals. Nobody could have predicted at the beginning of the season that a Dutch team would end up here," said Ten Hag.
Dream11: We go in with a 4-4-2 formation
Spurs goalie Hugo Lloris leads the line on goal. There is a four-man defense with Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld forming the central partnership. Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui fit in as the full-backs. The four-man mid-field sees Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen (captain), Lasse Schone and David Neres providing cushion. Lucas Moura and Dusan Tadic (vice-captain) are the two forwards.
When and where to watch the match?
The match is set to be held at the Tottenham Hotspur in London. It is going to start at 12:30 AM IST. The match can be telecast live on the Sony Ten Network. One can stream the match live on the Sony LIV app.
Key players to watch out for
In the absence of Son, the onus will be on Moura and Eriksen to lift Spurs against the Dutch side. These two holds the aces in terms of providing the impetus upfront. For Ajax, the presence of De Ligt at the back could aid them. Also, Tadic will be relied upon to score important goals.
