Liverpool are expected to beat Ajax at Anfield tonight and book their place in the knockout stages of the Champions League.
The Premier League champions head in to this evening’s match sitting top of Group D on nine points from their four games so far. The Reds were on course for early qualification after winning their first three games but slumped to a disappointing 2-0 defeat at home to Atalanta last week on Matchday 4.
That result has left Liverpool just two points clear at the top of the group with Ajax and Atalanta tied in second on seven points. Defeat tonight would throw the group wide open but victory for Jurgen Klopp’s men would book their place in the next phase of the competition so they won’t want another slip-up at Anfield.
Liverpool warmed up for the match with a frustrating 1-1 draw away to Brighton at the weekend so Klopp will want to get back to winning ways following two disappointing results over the past week but they face a tricky test against a dangerous Ajax side.
Liverpool backed for victory
Liverpool are the 3/4 favourites with the bookmakers to win tonight and book their place in the knockouts. Ajax can be backed at odds of 10/3 to collect a shock win at Anfield while the draw is available at 16/5.
If you are betting on the game there are a number of bookmakers and betting portals you can use. Some of you may be tempted to try your luck on other types of gambling games and you can play casino slot machine games here or have a go on the roulette table.
However, I think it’s a safe bet to back Liverpool tonight and a 2-0 victory at odds of 10/1 looks tempting as the Reds are usually formidable at home. If we add Sadio Mane as the first goalscorer in a 2-0 win the odds increase to a whopping 40/1.
Henderson to return
The good news for Klopp is that Jordan Henderson is set to return to the starting eleven after recovering from a knee problem but Liverpool still have plenty of injury concerns to contend with.
Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez remain out with long-term injuries while James Milner has been ruled out after picking up a hamstring issue at the weekend. Trent Alexander-Arnold is back in light training but this game comes too soon for the full-back.
Thiago Alcantara is still ‘a few weeks’ away from returning from a knee injury, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is still short of fitness, while Naby Keita and Xherdan Shaqiri are doubts after missing the Brighton game so Klopp could be without up to 8 players tonight.
However, despite their injury issues I still think Liverpool have enough strength and depth in their squad to beat Ajax and secure safe passage to the knockout stages of the Champions League.
