After a promising start to the season, things have gone horribly wrong for Barcelona over the past two weeks. First they suffered a humiliating loss against rivals Real Madrid in the Clásico, following it up a week later with a stunning 1-0 home defeat against Celta Vigo. Losing to Madrid is one thing, but losing to Celta at home ... that's close to a fireable offense.
Ajax vs. Barcelona, 2014 UEFA Champions League: Team news and game preview
Barca can clinch a place in the Round of 16 with a win over Ajax and some help from PSG.
Luis Enrique won't be losing his job of course, but he can also ill afford a three match losing streak during his first season in charge of the Blaugrana.
Standing in Barca’s way is Group F foe Ajax who need three points badly to avoid falling even farther behind a potential place in the knockout round. Barca pulled away late from Ajax in the first meeting between the two sides at the Camp Nou, but one suspects things will be different at the Amsterdam ArenA.
There’s plenty on the line for Barca as well though besides trying to avoid another loss. A win for the Spanish side combined with a APOEL loss or draw against Paris Saint-Germain would guarantee Barca a place in the Round of 16.
Key Player: Luis Suárez (Barcelona)
With his suspension finally over, striker Luis Suárez is poised to make his European debut for Barcelona against Ajax. In two league games, Suárez has one assist as he’s worked to regain his match fitness. He’s also had time to continue settling in with teammates Neymar and Lionel Messi. The three should make a formidable strike force for the Blaugrana, but it’s going to take a little time. Perhaps Wednesday is the day when everything starts to click.
Key Matchup: Barca’s defense vs. Ajax attack
Until Barca improves or signs better players, we’re going to keep pointing the finger at their defense because there’s no question it’s the weakest link for the Blaugrana. It hurt them in all three of their losses this season, and another poor performance against Ajax could leave Barca with a lot of work to do in the final two group stage matches.
Ajax injuries and suspensions
Out: Viktor Fischer (hamstring).
Barcelona injuries and suspensions
Out: Jérémy Mathieu (calf), Douglas (foot), Thomas Vermaelen (hamstring). In Doubt: Andrés Iniesta (calf).
Defender Jérémy Mathieu is out with a calf injury, while midfielder Andrés Iniesta is struggling with calf problems as well. If Iniesta can't play, expect some combination of Xavi, Ivan Rakitić and Sergi Roberto in the attacking midfield.
Match Date/Time: Wednesday 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Amsterdam ArenA, Amsterdam, Netherlands
TV: FOX Sports 1, DirecTV, FOX Soccer Plus (U.S. - English), ESPN Deportes (U.S. - Spanish), TVA Sports (Canada), Sky Sports Red Button (U.K.), C+ Liga de Campeones/HD (Spain), Sport1 Voetball (Netherlands)
Online: FOX Soccer 2Go, FOX Sports Go, WatchESPN (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), SkyGo (U.K.)
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