Ajax vs Bayern Munich
Both Ajax and Bayern Munich are through to the next round of the Champions League, but the fight is not yet over as the two proud clubs duke it out for the top spot and the bragging rights in Group E.
The Bavarians lead the group with 13 points after four wins and one draw, but they are only two points ahead of Ajax who have been sensational so far with three victories and a couple of stalemates.
An Ajax win will see the Dutchmen topple the German side from the summit, while a Bayern victory or draw will keep the reigning Bundesliga champions at the top heading to the knockout stages of the competition.
The game may be a dead rubber for some; however, make no mistake, with the top teams in European football all moving on, there’s a benefit from taking the no.1 ranking and getting a relatively easier draw next week.
Talking Points
Ajax unstoppable, Bayern rising
Ajax and Bayern are two of only six teams to stay undefeated through five games in the group stage, and their successes are no flukes.
Ajax have been one of the most consistent teams in European football this year, and the fact that they have won 13 of their last 15 matches—with the other two ending in a draw—shows how difficult it is to beat them.
The Dutch side last lost to Eredivisie leaders PSV Eindhoven in September, and that remains their only defeat since the beginning of the 2018-19 campaign.
On the other hand, Bayern Munich seem to be finding their rhythm after a poor start to their campaign. The German champs are currently third in the Bundesliga and nine points adrift of Borussia Dortmund for the top spot, but they are trying to mount a commendable fightback after dropping all the way down to sixth.
Even more remarkable, they have won their last three games in all competitions. They thrashed Benfica in the UCL with five goals to one and followed it up with back-to-back Bundesliga victories against Werder Bremen and Nuremberg.
These two sides played out a 1-1 draw in their first meeting this year, but with their recent performances and the stakes at hand, it’s not wrong to expect a highly entertaining and tightly contested affair at Amsterdam.
Dusan, Klaas-Jan and the deadly Ajax attack
Behind Ajax’s success is their offence led by the brilliant Dusan Tadic and the experienced Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.
Tadic, who played for Premier League club Southampton from 2014 to 2018, leads the team with 14 markers in all competitions. Meanwhile, former Schalke striker Huntelaar has already 13 goals to his name.
With the presence of the two, Ajax established themselves as one of the best attacking units in the Netherlands. They are second in the contest with the most goals scored, only behind PSV. Interestingly, in the Champions League, they have scored as many goals as Juventus, Liverpool and Tottenham.
Lewy’s on fire, but is there enough help?
Robert Lewandowski made the Champions League 2018 news headlines with his double against Benfica—a performance which propelled him alongside Lionel Messi as the competition’s joint top-scorers with six goals each.
Lewy also became only the seventh player to break the 50-goal barrier in UEFA’s top club competition, with his latest tally standing at 51.
However, while the Pole striker is on a tear offensively, there are concerns if he is enough to keep the Bavarians at the top.
Bayern Munich won’t be with some of their best players, with James Rodriguez sidelined due to a knee issue and Corentin Tolisso out with an ACL injury.
It’s also alarming that Arjen Robben—who teed up Mats Hummels for their opening goal versus Ajax last October—is doubtful to play because of a thigh issue.
Lewandowski is certainly a huge threat, but Niko Kovac will also need his other players to step up if they want to take all three points in this encounter.
History
The two teams have met nine times before, sharing a perfectly balanced record with three wins apiece and three draws.
As mentioned, their latest meeting ended in a 1-1 stalemate at Allianz Arena after Noussair Mazraoui cancelled out Hummels’ fourth-minute opener.
One interesting tidbit though: in the previous matches between the two clubs, the home team has always had the advantage. In fact, the visiting outfit has never won!
Betting Tip
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Ajax vs Bayern Munich | Ajax 1X2 @ 3.70 |
| December 13, 04:00 (GMT+8) |
Compared to their previous match-up, I expect a winner this time. I’m just not sure if it will be Bayern, as what the Champions league 2018 betting odds at SBOBET suggest.
Ajax have proven that they can hold their ground against the best, and it’s always difficult to beat them at home (they haven’t lost a competitive fixture at Johan Cruyff Arena for more than a year now).
It’s also quite concerning that the Bavarians aren’t at their best, no thanks to injuries to some of their key players.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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|---|---|---|---|
| = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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