Champions League, Ajax vs Tottenham: Preview, Dream11 and more
Tottenham Hotspur will be aiming to put their worrying form away, when they face a resurgent Ajax in the UEFA Champions League 2018-19 semi-final second leg. Spurs trail Ajax by a 0-1 margin after losing at home last week. Meanwhile, Ajax would be seeking to make it to the final and join Liverpool. Here is the detailed match preview.
Team news and selection
Son Heung-min is set to make a return for Tottenham after missing the first leg through suspension. He s expected to play up front. Jan Vertonghen could replace Davinson Sanchez, who injured his thigh in the 1-0 loss at Bournemouth. Erik Lamela and full-back Serge Aurier are both available post hamstring injuries. Ajax have David Neres available following a foot injury.
View point: What did the managers say?
"The negative result in the first leg obviously makes it more difficult, but the tie is still open. We know we need to win and perform to our best. It's an exciting moment for us," said Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino. "We need to win this match, that will be our mindset. We have to stick to our own strengths," said Ten Hag.
Dream11: We go in with a 4-4-2 formation
Experienced Frenchman Hugo Lloris takes the command in goal. Matthijs de Ligt and Toby Alderweireld form the central partnership in defense. Kieran Trippier and Daley Blind are the full-backs. The mid-field sees Dele Alli and David Neres form the base. Lasse Schone adds width, alongside the versatile Christian Eriksen. Son Heung-min (captain) and Dusan Tadic (vice-captain) are the forwards.
Stat attack: All the important
Spurs had only one shot on target in the first leg against Ajax. That was their joint-lowest total in a Champions League game. Ajax are the only club to have scored in every game this season among the four semi-finalists. Ajax are winless in their last three Champions League home games (D 2 L1).
Venue, timing, TV listing and predicted winners
The match is set to played at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam. It will start at 12:30 AM IST. The match can be watched live on the Sony Ten Network. We feel Ajax will go through. Spurs' form could be a worry.