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Ajax welcome Benfica to the Johan Cruijff Arena in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie on Tuesday.
The first leg in Lisbon ended all square as Sebastian Haller scored at both ends of the pitch in a game that ended 2-2. The Dutch side have had one loss and three wins to their name across all competitions since that game.
Ajax defeated Benfica's local rivals Sporting 9-3 on aggregate in the group stage and will be hoping to inflict a loss on the visiting side here.
Benfica have fared slightly better and have two wins and a draw to their name since the first leg. They endured a frustrating outing against Vizela at home and played out a 1-1 draw as Adel Taarabt was sent off in the seventh minute of the game.
Ajax vs Benfica Head-to-Head
The two sides have met eight times so far, with all the meetings coming in UEFA competitions. Ajax have dominated the proceedings in this fixture and are winless against the Eagles since a loss in their first-ever meeting in 1969. They lead 4-1 in wins and three games have ended in draws.
Ajax form guide (all competitions): W-W-W-L-D
Benfica form guide (all competitions): D-W-W-D-D
Ajax vs Benfica Team News
Ajax
De Godenzonen have a few fitness concerns ahead of the game. Sean Klaiber and Maarten Stekelenburg are long-term absentees with ligament and groin injuries respectively.
Jay Gorter and Remko Pasveer have also been ruled out with fractures, while Brian Brobbey and Noussair Mazraoui’s involvement in the game remains doubtful.
Injured: Maarten Stekelenburg, Sean Klaiber, Jay Gorter, Remko Pasveer
Doubtful: Brian Brobbey, Noussair Mazraoui
Suspended: None
Benfica
Lucas Veríssimo is a long-term absentee for the visitors with a ligament injury. Rodrigo Pinho and Haris Seferovic's involvement in the game remains doubtful.
Roman Yaremchuk, Nicolás Otamendi and Gilberto will all return to the fold after being left out of the squad against Vizela as a precaution.
Injured: Lucas Verissimo
Doubtful: Rodrigo Pinho, Haris Seferovic
Suspended: None
Ajax vs Benfica Predicted XI
Ajax Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): André Onana (GK); Nicolás Tagliafico, Jurrien Timber, Perr Schuurs, Daley Blind; Edson Alvarez, Davy Klaassen; Antony, Steven Berghuis, Dusan Tadic; Sebastien Haller
Benfica Predicted XI (4-4-2): Odysseas Vlachodimos (GK); Valentino Lazaro, Nicolas Otamendi, Jan Vertonghen, Alejandro Grimaldo; Rafa Silva, Adel Taarabt, Julian Weigl, Everton; Roman Yaremchuk, Darwin Nunez
Ajax vs Benfica Prediction
Ajax enjoyed a flawless run in the group stage of the competition, winning all six games and scoring 20 goals. They have experienced a solid run at home recently and are enjoying a seven-game winning streak in which they have kept six clean sheets.
While the odds of a clean sheet against Benfica are low, Ajax are the overwhelming favorites at home. With qualification to the next round of the competition at stake, the game is expected to be a closely contested affair.
Nonetheless, the hosts should be able to come out on top given their solid home form and goalscoring prowess this season.
Prediction: Ajax 3-2 Benfica
