After last week’s humiliation in Naples, Liverpool will be itching to set things straight against Ajax on Tuesday evening in front of an expectant Anfield crowd. The Dutch giants will be equally determined to take advantage of any fragility in the Reds ranks however, and with seven-straight wins behind them in all competitions, Ajax should make for formidable opponents on Merseyside.
This stats pack provides the numbers for both teams in goals, shots, corners and cards – perfect for placing that winning bet builder.
Predicted Lineups
Jordan Henderson is still out injured and James Milner has been overworked of late, so don’t be surprised to see both Fabinho and Thiago restored to midfield on Tuesday.
Roberto Firmino could make way up front for Darwin Nunez, while Andrew Robertson (injured) should be replaced by Kostas Tsimikas at left back.
Calvin Bassey picked up a knock in Ajax’s 5-0 win over Heerenveen at the weekend, though the defender should be fit enough to start on Tuesday.
Head Coach Alfred Schreuder must decide whether to select Brian Brobbey or Mohammed Kudus at centre-forward. Kudus excelled against Rangers last week however, so expect him to get the nod.
Team Stats
Liverpool were given the run-around by Napoli last week in what was the latest in a string of underwhelming results, though their supporting stats show that they’ve been doing plenty of the right things in games.
The Reds score well for goals for (2.5) and xG for (2.6) p/90, while their xG against (1.09) remains on the low side.
As per the division’s traditions, Ajax have been pummelling opponents left, right and centre in the Netherlands and the early evidence suggests the Eredivisie title race will be a procession. Ajax have been posting outstanding attacking numbers, though their defensive efforts are also worth their share of the limelight.
Ajax are conceding just 0.50 goals and 2.33 shots on target against per 90, and they restricted Rangers to just a single strike on target in last week’s 4-0 drubbing.
Player Shots and Shots on Target
Brazilian link man Roberto Firmino tops the pile at Liverpool for shots on target p/90 this term (2.36), though the ex-Hoffenheim star could be demoted to the bench on Tuesday after a poor showing in Naples last week.
Darwin Nunez has been productive (7.71 shots per 90) if a little erratic in recent run outs, though the Uruguayan does seem to carry more threat than most of his counterparts, including the unusually shot-shy Mohamed Salah (0.83 SOT p/90).
Mohammed Kudus went on strike in the summer in an attempt to force a move away from Ajax, though the Ghanaian has done his striking on the pitch since.
Kudus started a game for the first time this season against Rangers last week and finished the game with a goal and assist, and the 22-year-old – who is now clocking an impressive 2.43 shots on target p/90 – bagged a brace at the weekend against Heerenveen.
Player Goals and Assists
Luis Diaz plundered a scarcely-deserved consolation goal for Liverpool against Napoli last week, pushing his haul for the campaign up to four in all competitions in the process.
Roberto Firmino’s goal contributions (6) have been unmatched so far, though it’s worth remembering that two of his three goals and all of his assists were pocketed in one afternoon against Bournemouth.
Summer capture Steven Bergwijn has six goals in six Eredivisie appearances since his homecoming, though Mohammed Kudus is gaining ground on him fast following a return of three goals in two matches.
Highly-rated youngster Kenneth Taylor has chipped in with three goals from midfield and the 20-year-old could be the next unearthed gem at Ajax to catch the eye of predatory suitors in bigger leagues.
Liverpool Cards
Sightings of fullback Kostas Tsimikas are rare, though the lesser-spotted Greek knows how to make his presence felt when he is called upon (2.00 fouls per 90).
Brazilian destroyer Fabinho will be patrolling the waters in front of the Liverpool back four on Tuesday. The anchorman has been committing 2.00 fouls p/90 and he will use every trick in the book to limit the impact of Mohammed Kudus.
Mohammed Kudus has the technical gifts to bamboozle his markers and his ability to leave defenders red-faced can draw numerous fouls (1.88 p/90).
Steven Bergwijn’s jet-heeled runs into the channels could trouble the Liverpool fullbacks on Tuesday, while sparks could fly in the battle between physically imposing pair Calin Bassey and Darwin Nunez.
Match-Ups to watch
Kostas Tsimikas vs Steven Bergwijn
Fabinho vs Mohammed Kudus
Darwin Nunez vs Calvin Bassey
Ajax Cards
Edson Alvarez adds graft and grit to the grace in Ajax’s team and the tough-as-nails Mexican has already been carded three times in just five appearances this summer. Keep an eye on Alvarez when he tries to win his midfield skirmishes against Fabinho and Harvey Elliott.
Luis Diaz is a tough player to shackle and Jurrien Timber (1.55 fouls p/90) and Devyne Rensch (0.65) will have to double up on the Colombian at times on the right side of Ajax’s defence.
Luis Diaz’s intensity caught a few sides cold when he swapped Porto for Liverpool in January, however, now opposing teams are well clued up on just how dangerous the winger can be and he has been fouled a whopping 3.22 p/90 since the summer.
Harvey Elliott (fouled 1.49 p/90) has also been a target for the midfield bully boys, while Fabinho (1.40) both receives and serves up stud sandwiches on the regular.
Match-Ups to watch
Edson Alvarez vs Fabinho
Devyne Rensch vs Luis Diaz
Jurrien Timber vs Luis Diaz
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