Bayern Munich face Ajax with UCL Group E top spot up for grabs

Bayern Munich travels to Amsterdam to face Ajax in hopes of defending their spot atop the Champions League Group E.

The final Champions League games of the year take place this week. Most groups have already been decided, but these games are not futile. Bayern Munich have already qualified for the knockout stages, but they need at least one point in their final game against Ajax to win their group.

The Bavarians are slowly building some sort of momentum after winning their past three games across all competitions. Die Roten’s most convincing display came this past weekend when they defeated Nurnberg at the Allianz Arena. A dominant performance against Ajax will certainly assure fans that the penny has dropped for Niko Kovac at Bayern.

Ajax, meanwhile, are enjoying a fine campaign. The Dutch club sits second in Eredivisie, trailing PSV Eindhoven by just two points. Ajax have been fairly impressive in the Champions League this season too. It was an intense game when these two sides met at the Allianz Arena earlier this season. The two squads drew last time out, but Ajax will be hoping to leave with all three points this time.

Team News

Bayern Munich announced their squad traveling to Amsterdam earlier today, and there was one notable absentee. Arjen Robben will sit out of this game due to an ongoing thigh problem. The Dutchman has not played for Bayern since scoring a brace against Benfica two weeks ago.

James Rodriguez continues to work on his rehabilitation at Sabener Strasse. The Colombian is yet to start working on the pitch, but he is on schedule to make a complete recovery by the end of the winter break. Corentin Tolisso is also recovering well after rupturing his ACL at the start of the season. The Frenchman might get some gametime at the end of the season if he doesn’t relapse during his recovery.

Predicted XI

This game is a good opportunity for Bayern’s fringe players, but Kovac is in no mood to disturb his winning combination. Sven Ulreich should start in the goal against Ajax giving Manuel Neuer a much-needed rest. Niklas Sule and Jerome Boateng will continue to play in the center-back positions. Joshua Kimmich should come back into the defense and occupy the right-back position. David Alaba will be Bayern’s other full-back.

Thiago Alcantara is now completely fit and can play 90 minutes after a couple of cameos in the last two Bundesliga games. The Spaniard is likely to start in the holding midfield position against the Dutch club. Leon Goretzka will keep his place in the starting lineup and partner Thiago in the center of the park.

Kingsley Coman should replace Franck Ribery in the starting XI on Tuesday. The veteran winger needs rest, and this is the ideal game for Coman to get 90 minutes. Serge Gnabry will be the other wide forward for Bayern on Wednesday, while Thomas Muller will slot in the number ten role. Robert Lewandowski will lead the line for Die Roten against Ajax.

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Opposition Focus

Ajax has been one of the most entertaining teams in Europe this season. They are exciting to watch and are hardly ever short on goals. The hosts were resilient against Bayern at the Allianz Arena. Wednesday’s match will be a good test for Kovac’s men, who will not entirely dominate possession despite remaining favorites.

Ajax’s squad is full of some of Europe’s best young talents. Bayern are even reportedly interested in Frenkie De Jong and Matthijs De Ligt. This Dutch duo will be key players for Ajax on Wednesday in midfield and defense respectively. Ajax are also capable in attack, with players like Dusan Tadic, Klaas Jan Huntelaar and Hakim Ziyech all capable of causing problems for Bayern’s fragile defense.

Next. Bayern Munich has been tracking Ajax’s Frenkie De Jong. dark

Prediction

Ajax 0-2 Bayern Munich

The hosts succeeded in stifling Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, but I expect Die Roten to deliver a better performance this time. It has been a difficult season for Bayern’s defense, as they have failed to keep clean sheets on a consistent basis. However, after a good showing on the weekend, I back them to keep a clean sheet in Amsterdam.