UEFA Champions League preview: AC Milan – Ajax Amsterdam
Rossoneri take a breather
Massimiliano Allegri didn’t have the most convincing of starts with AC Milan. Rossoneri could only muster a draw at Amsterdam Arena against Ajax on match day two and lost to Real Madrid the following match day as progression hopes were left hanging in balance.
However, Allegri’s troops recovered well in time to seal an early qualification.
As things stand, Milan are second in the group and have cemented that spot. Even a defeat tonight will change precious little for the Serie A league leaders. The game will present Allegri with the opportunity to test his young guns while fringe players will
also be given a chance.
However, Milan manager is taking nothing for granted. "It's an important game for us. It's the Champions League and it's in matches like this that the real worth of a team comes out; that will help me take my decisions in the future. It is not a vital game,
that's true, but we have to give our best because victories give you confidence and confidence helps you win again."
Manager-less Ajax take to the field
With Martin Jol in charge of some prodigiously talented youngsters, Ajax were expected to challenge AC Milan and Real Madrid for a knock-out stage berth. However, the Eredivisie side failed to live up to the expectations. Amsterdammers are third in the group
with four points; one ahead of AJ Auxerre, and even a victory tonight will not change the fact that they have been dumped out of the Champions League.
With Auxerre facing an impressive Real Madrid outfit, Ajax can seal a Europa League berth with a positive result tonight. Frank de Boer has been appointed the interim manager while the club looks for a replacement for outgoing Martin Jol. The task would
not be an easy one as Ajax play an in-form AC Milan outfit at San Siro.
The new manager has given a teaser for things to come as he looks to bring back Ajax to winning ways.
"Ajax is what matters," enthused De Boer. "I want to bring the joy back; the players must be happy to play. When it comes to playing football, movement on the field and attacking, I am close to Johan Cruyff's philosophy”
Team News
AC Milan
AC Milan will play the game without Alexandre Pato, Filippo Inzaghi and Massimo Oddo as the trio is out injured. Allegri will rest key players such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Alessandro Nesta, Thiago Silva and Ignazio Abate as youngsters will be given a chance
to impress.
Ajax Amsterdam
Florian Jozefzoon, Evander Sno, Kenneth Vermee and Nicolas Lodeiro will miss the trip to Milan as they sit home nursing their respective injuries. De Boer is expected to introduce an attacking 4-3-3 formation that will take the game to the opposition.
Key Players
Robinho
Robinho will have the striking responsibilities as Zlatan will be rested. The Brazilian has found a home at San Siro and looks set to revive his career after some years of under achievement. With a round of 16 berth already booked, Robinho will try to show
some of his samba magic in this game.
Luis Suarez
The outrageously talented youngster put in a man of the match performance when Rossoneri visited Amsterdam Arena. However, things have changed drastically for the forward ever since as he looks to rediscover his best form.
Prediction
AC Milan have nothing to play for while Ajax will look to register a positive result under the new coach. The game has a draw written all over it as the two sides will play out an entertaining 2 – 2 draw.
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