Ajax vs Man City: Preview, Team News, Likely Line-ups & Predicted Score

Manchester City will look to register their first Champions League victory of the season as they take on Ajax in the Amsterdam Arena tonight.

Roberto Mancini’s side have just one point to show for their efforts so far in Group D after following up defeat to Real Madrid at the Bernabeu with a 1-1 against Borussia Dortmund at the Etihad last time out.

City needed a late Mario Balotelli penalty to salvage a draw against the Germans and had to rely on goalkeeper Joe Hart to keep them in the game, so an improved display is required this evening if they are to get their Champions League campaign back on track.

Ajax are also searching for their first win following defeats to both Dortmund and Madrid and failure to secure all three points tonight will all but end their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages.

Team News

Mancini will have to make do without the services of midfielder David Silva after the Spaniard failed to recover from a hamstring problem. Maicon, Javi Garcia and Jack Rodwell have also not travelled to Amsterdam.

Eden Dzeko will hope to start after his substitute heroics against West Brom on Saturday. Mario Balotelli is likely to make way.

Frank de Boer has a number of injury concerns ahead of the game. Nicolai Boilesen, Kolbeinn Sigthórsson, Thulani Serero, Davy Klaassen and Jody Lukoki are all ruled out leaving the Dutchman with a thin squad to choose from.

Likely Line-ups

Predicted Score

Ajax have been poor in the Champions League so far this season, with conceding goals a particular problem. Real Madrid put four past them last time out and many see City as heavy favourites tonight, even Dutch sports bet firms have the Premier League champions odds on. Although we can see City winning this one, it won’t be quite as emphatic as some other think. Ajax 1-2 Man City.

What would your team be and what’s your score prediction? Get involved in the comments section.

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