Liverpool begin their UEFA Champions League campaign against Ajax in what is the first competitive game between the two sides since 1966.
The two clubs have only played against each other twice in a second-round tie in the 1966/67 European Cup, the first leg was won by Ajax 5-1 and the second leg ended in a 2-2 draw.
Liverpool are winless in their last three games in all competitions, with the last two in the league. They suffered an embarrassing 7-2 defeat to Aston Villa before drawing 2-2 against Everton in the Merseyside derby on Saturday.
Ajax have made yet another strong start to the Eredivisie as current champions from the 2018/19 season as the league was suspended last season. They’ve won four out of their five league games and that’s with losing the likes of Hakim Ziyech, Donny van der Beek and Sergino Dest in the summer.
Ajax v Liverpool is a special game in Europe. Both clubs storied history in this competition is well-known and it will be two historic games hosted in both the Johan Cruyff Arena and Anfield.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has spoken of his excitement of facing Ajax and his previous meetings against them as Borussia Dortmund manager.
“[Our] proper analysis didn’t start yet, not with me. After this I have the analysis meeting so then I will know much more about it, but in general yes [it feels like a big European game],” the boss told Liverpoolfc.com.
“If you think, and if you thought in the past, about European football Liverpool was 100 per cent involved and Ajax as well, so that’s how it is. One of the highlights of my time at Dortmund was for sure the two games against Ajax, just for a personal reason. You think: ‘OK, you want to play in this stadium against a young, very exciting team.’
“Ajax changed their philosophy slightly [and] brought in some experienced players. [Daley] Blind is there, [Dusan] Tadic is there, [Quincy] Promes, [Davy] Klaassen they got back from Bremen – so a few players that played earlier in their career at Ajax, then mix it up with a lot of really young and exciting talents. That’s how it is.”
What the Loss of Virgin Van Dijk Means for Liverpool Betting
Liverpool are hugely in need of a win, especially after the loss of Virgil Van Dijk for perhaps the rest of the season and I think they grab the win 3-1 away from home.
Ajax are dangerous opposition for anybody that comes against them and they showed that in spades in their 2018/19 UEFA Champions League campaign when they knocked out both Juventus and Real Madrid.
Sportsbooks odds on a Liverpool away win open at -143. Odds on an Ajax home win open at +375. Odds on a draw between the two sides on matchday one open at +320.
