Ajax v Bayern Munich
Wednesday 12th December 2000hrs
Football – Europe – Champions League
Pick: Draw
Bookmaker: Betfred
Odds: 14/5 (odds taken on Tuesday 11th December at 6.09pm
These two teams have dominated Group E and it’s been long known that Ajax and Bayern will be playing in the knockout phase of this year’s Champions League. The only thing left to decide is which of them will top the group and, in theory, result in a kinder draw in the next stage. Both clubs have yet to taste defeat in the group and the hosts know that if they are to finish top, that will have to change. Continue reading for a match preview of Ajax against Bayern Munich, with a best betting tip selected.
Ajax Prediction
Ajax have done incredibly well to qualify for the knockout phase with a game to spare, the first time they have made it past the group stage since season 2005/06. It’s remarkable that a club steeped in their European history have not been able to qualify for the last 16 in so long but that’s illustrative of how difficult this competition is unless you’re one of the elite clubs, as well as an indication that Ajax have just not been good enough. This season is different, though, there is a sense that this group of players are capable of bringing glory back to the club, both domestically and on the European scene. PSV have dominated Dutch football of late and the Ajax board have made a conscious effort in the close season to bring success back to Amsterdam, spending heavily. They also have a host of homegrown players who could be sensational. A couple of decades ago we could be seeing the start of another golden era for Ajax but as it is, they’ll be lucky to keep hold of their star players for a couple more seasons – at very best. The immediate focus is just on Wednesday’s match and trying to secure a famous win over Bayern that would see them leapfrog their German opponents to go top.
Bayern Munich Prediction
It’s been a stuttering season for Bayern thus far and the pressure was heaped upon Niko Kovac just a couple of months into his tenure. They trail Borussia Dortmund by nine points in the Bundesliga and for any Bayern team that is simply not good enough. The quality of their performances in the early stages of the Champions League also left plenty to be desired but their experience and quality have told in the end and they now know a point will ensure another first placed finish in the group stages of the Champions League. Most other teams would be delighted with a haul of 13 points from five games but the standards are so high at the Allianz Arena and it’s not just about results, but also the manner of performances and the one they delivered against Ajax at home was simply not good enough. A thumping 5-1 win at home to Benfica in their previous game in the competition has certainly sent out the warning signals that Bayern remain capable and when they click, they have a plethora of attacking threats willing to take advantage.
Ajax v Bayern Munich Betting Advice
Ajax were the much better team when these two met in Munich at the beginning of October. It was a total footballing performance that was just lacking a winning goal but it to show just how mature this young team are, with a lot of them having their first Champions League experience this season. The result and performance will also have given Ajax real hope they can get the win they need on Wednesday to finish in first place. Bayern have done what they’ve had to since matchday two, winning all their games, but Kovac will be under no illusions as to what is required going forward if they are to be considered as a genuine contenders. That starts tomorrow with the visitors needing a draw to guarantee their place at the top of the group.
Ajax could barely be in better form coming into this match having went unbeaten in their last 15 games, winning 13 of them. Bayern have reeled off three straight wins of their own so we should see two teams full of confidence. As impressed as I’ve been with Ajax this season, they’re facing one of the most experienced Champions League teams there is. That experience, I believe, will see Bayern through to the result they need but I think Ajax are good value to preserve their unbeaten run for another game at least.
