UEFA Champions League: Dinamo Zagreb vs. Ajax Amsterdam – Match preview
In the latest round of UEFA Champions League, Dinamo Zagreb will lock horns against Ajax Amsterdam at Stadion Maksimir on Tuesday, October 18. Both sides have failed to impress so far in the group stage and would be gunning to collect all three points in
this encounter.
Dinamo Zagreb
The Blues are still searching for their first victory in Europe’s primary club competition. Failing to secure even a lone point in their opening two fixtures against Real Madrid and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Olympique-Lyonnais-c40130, the Plavi are sitting rock bottom of Group D.
The Croatian Champions are one of the four teams which have failed to hit the back of the net so far in the competition.
Krunoslav Jurcic, the Blues head coach, is optimistic about achieving a good result against the Amsterdam giants at home.
“Our expectations are high. In our calculations, we planned to get some points against Ajax and we will do everything we can to achieve that. We are playing at home in front of our fans, so we need an element of aggression in this match”
“I have been in charge for two matches against Ajax and we lost both, so I don't have fond memories, but Dinamo have beaten Ajax before”, Jurcic said while talking to the media.
Ajax Amsterdam
The Amsterdammers are yet to register their maiden victory in this edition of Champions League. A goalless draw against Lyon and a disappointing 3-0 loss to Real Madrid later, the Dutch Champions currently occupy the third spot in Group D.
On domestic front, Ajax are hardly any better off, having registered just a single victory in their last seven encounters in all competitions. Moreover, De Boer’s men are also yet to open their scoring in Elite European cup.
Frank de Boer would be hoping that his side stages an impressive show away from home. His troops need all three points if they are to keep up their hopes of progressing to the next phase of the competition.
Team news
Dinamo Zagreb
Sime Vrsaljko will be unable to represent his side, as he is serving out his three-match ban. Igor Biscan, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Mehmed-Alispahic-c25155 will also watch the match from the sidelines due to their respective injuries.
Probable Line-up: Kelava; http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Tonel-c35411, Cufre; Calello, Badelj, Leko, Sammir; Beqiraj, Krstanovic.
Ajax Amsterdam
De Boer will have to do without the services of Kolbeinn Sigthorsson and Nicolai Boilesen, due to fractured ankle and a hamstring injury respectively.
Probable Line-up: http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Derk-Boerrigter-c10972.
Players to watch
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Sammir-c32366 – Dinamo Zagreb
The 24-year-old has developed into one of the key players in the Dinamo Zagreb squad, since joining the Croatian outfit in the summer of 2007. The attacking midfielder has scored 28 goals in well over 100 appearances.
Christian Eriksen – Ajax Amsterdam
The young Danish ace has received plenty of praise in the past few months. However, his inconsistent performances have let him down on a quite a few occasions. The 19-year-old failed to impress in the midfield in his side’s 2-2 stalemate against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/AZ-c38571 Alkmaar
on Saturday.
Prediction
Both sides would be looking to register their first win of the group stage in this encounter. Although the home support would be of advantage to the Croatian outfit, Ajax have the quality to emerge victorious. It will be a hard fought 2-1 win in favour of
the Dutch giants.
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