It’s the fifth round of the group stage of the Champions League, and Liverpool host Ajax knowing a win takes them through to the knockout phase as group winner.
The problem is injuries are beginning to catch up with them, including losing James Milner with a hamstring issue over the weekend. The Reds have won just one of their last four, and were very disappointing in defeat against Atalanta last timeout in this competition.
Ajax lost 1-0 at home to the Reds in the reverse fixture, but they have scored at least three times in their last four games, conceding just once, and we think they offer value at 18/5 to win tonight.
The second game sees Manchester City travel to Portugal to take on Porto, needing just a draw to guarantee top spot in the qualifying group and a better draw in the knockout phase.
The hosts only need a point to cement their passage through as well, and when both teams need only a draw that’s usually what happens! However, City were impressive in beating Burnley 5-0 over the weekend, and will approach the game with a lot of confidence.
One thing we noted from City’s lineup over the weekend was Phil Foden appearing on the bench. We take that to mean he will start tonight, and thus becomes interesting as a goalscorer option. He scored the only goal in City’s win over Olympiacos last time out in this competition, and we’ll take the 15/2 on offer that he opens the scoring tonight.
Recommendations:
Liverpool/Ajax: Ajax to win, 1 pt, at 18/5, William Hill
Porto/Man City: Foden to score first, 1 pt, at 15/2, bet365
