Wednesday! Wednesday! Wednesday! Something has got to give at the Amsterdam ArenA! Ajax have never been defeated at home by the visitors Borussia Dortmund, but the defending German champions are undefeated thus far in the group stages. Something has got to give!
Ajax vs. Borussia Dortmund 2012: Preview and TV schedule
Dortmund can book their place in the next round, Ajax still have a chance to stay in the fight. Things are set-up nicely for a fun evening at the Amsterdam ArenA.
Friedemann Vogel
For proper enjoyment, please read the proceeding paragraph with a cable access monster truck rally advertisement voice over guy voice.
Dortmund simply need to win or draw to advance to the Champions League Round of 16, but Ajax are certainly not about to lie down for them as they have plenty to play for as well. Ajax do need the full three points if they have any hope of getting out of the group, but they’re also hoping to fend off Manchester City for the consolation prize of a place in the Europa League.
Jurgen Klopp will have basically his entire roster available for selection, so it stands to reason we'll see a similar side that impressed in their draw against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu a couple weeks ago. Jakub Błaszczykowski has recovered from the ankle injury that kept him out of that game, but Klopp could decide to stick with Keven Grosskreutz ahead of the Polish winger.
Ajax will be looking to continue the momentum they’ve built after a victory and draw against City in the two previous group stage rounds. Losing Ryan Babel to a dislocated shoulder won’t help things, but Ajax have been stout at home in this competition.
Ajax injuries and suspensions
Out: Ryan Babel (shoulder), Thulani Serero (groin), Kolbeinn Sigthorsson (shoulder). In doubt: Kenneth Vermeer (illness)
Borussia Dortmund injuries and suspensions
Out: None. In Doubt: Sebastian Kehl (knee), Ilkay Gundogan (shoulder).
Ajax’s biggest doubt is goalkeeper Kenneth Vermeer who trained Sunday as he recovered from an illness. Dortmund’s Kehl and Gundhogan are expected to be available after passing fitness tests.
Match Date/Time: 9:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Amsterdam ArenA, Amsterdam, Netherlands
TV: DirecTV (U.S.), Sky Sports Red Button (U.K.), Sportsnet (Canada)
Online: FOX Soccer 2 Go (U.S.), Sky Sports Interactive (U.K.)
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