Ajax vs Galatasaray

Ajax are in danger of another early exit from continental competition, having lost all three of their opening Champions League league-phase fixtures [LLL]. Head coach John Heitinga is under growing pressure following a series of disappointing results that have cast doubt over his long-term future. De Godenzonen fell 2-0 to Inter Milan, were thumped 4-0 away at Marseille, and suffered a humbling 5-1 defeat to Chelsea—a run that extends their losing streak in UEFA competitions to six matches, dating back to last season’s Europa League round of 16 exit. A return to Amsterdam offers little comfort, as the four-time European champions have managed just one win from their last four home fixtures [LWLD] in all competitions. Their recent 1-1 draw against Heerenveen at home could only help them to fourth spot on the Eredivisie table with 20 points [5W, 5D, 1L]. Historically, de Godenzonen have enjoyed success against Turkish opposition, winning 12 of their previous 14 meetings [12W, 1D, 1L] and remaining unbeaten at home [7W, 1D, 0L]. The only previous encounter between Ajax and Galatasaray came in last season’s Europa League, when the Dutch side claimed a 2-1 home win. Steven Berghuis, Branco van den Boomen and Kasper Dolberg are sidelined through injury, while Kenneth Taylor is suspended, depriving Ajax of key creative outlets. Wout Weghorst may lead the attacking line in a 4—2—3—1 setup.

Galatasaray, on the other hand, travel to Amsterdam brimming with confidence in good form [DWWWD]. The Turkish champions have beaten Liverpool [1-0] and Bodø/Glimt [3-1], edging closer to their best-ever UCL run since a three-game winning streak back in December 2012 [WWW]. This recent surge comes after a miserable run of just one win in their previous 18 UCL matches [1W, 5D, 12L]. Okan Buruk’s men have been equally strong domestically, sitting atop the Turkish Süper Lig despite a goalless draw with Trabzonspor at the weekend. However, the Sarı-Kırmızılılar’s away form in Europe remains a lingering concern—they are winless in their last ten continental away games [0W, 3D, 7L], though they’ve scored in nine of those outings. Victor Osimhen, in prolific European form with goals in seven consecutive matches [nine in total], will once again be the key man for the visitors by starting upfront in a 4—2—3—1 setup while İlkay Gündoğan remains unavailable.