UEFA Champions League

The opening day of Champions League action did not fail to disappoint, with two English clubs claiming outright victories, although goals did come at a premium.

Wednesday the top teams in Europe continue their quest for the finals, with Barcelona and Manchester United highlighting the card.

The Catalans travel to Old Trafford hoping to reverse their past misfortunes, having failed to collect a victory in their four previous trips to the famed stadium, Leo Messi and company seem more motivated than ever to leave Manchester with a leg one advantage.

Ajax vs. Juventus
Johan Cruijff ArenA, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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4-10-2019 - 3:00 pm ET - 8:00 pm GMT

The alternate match on the docket comes with less fanfare, although we are more likely to see a more entertaining 90 minutes, with two teams who are more than capable of lighting up the scoreboard each time they step onto the pitch.

Ajax is this season's Cinderella side to make an improbable run to Madrid in June and with a squad full of talented youngsters, they continue to exceed all previous expectations.

Erik ten Hag has his side flying high. Having won nine out of their last ten matches in all competitions, the Dutch giants are scoring an average of 3.5 goals during that impressive run of form.

Lancer's Fearless Mentality

The Eredivisie representatives keep overcoming all barriers placed in their way, having eliminated the three-time defending European champs Real Madrid, the perennial underdogs now have their eyes set on upsetting another massive power and continuing their improbable run to the finals.

The amount of firepower the Dutchmen send out regularly is quite impressive, led by former Southampton man Dusan Tadic, who has adapted well to his new surroundings. Posting 29 goals and 15 assists since his arrival, the Serbian international is a pure sniper in front of goal.

Hakim Ziyech has been the breakout star of the tournament. The pacey forward continues to draw rave reviews for his excellent play, he is technically gifted with top notch dribbling, passing, and finishing abilities, giving the hosts an ideal weapon down the wings.

Team Prop
Ajax - Team Total Over  1  -115 / 1.87 - Goal

The club continues to churn out future stars on the world's stage, with wonder-boy Frenkie de Jong the next in line to represent his country with a powerful brand. The talented midfielder was snatched up by Barcelona during the Winter transfer window, and his skills will soon be on full display at one of the largest clubs on the planet, but until he makes his move to Spain, expect him to play a significant part in his current team's overall success.

Ajax has enjoyed their time in European competitions, going undefeated in 15 of their last 16 matches, while scoring an average of two goals per contest while on their home pitch.

Juventus travel to the Netherlands at less than full strength, with many of their core players on the injury list, it will be a challenge to contend with the energetic Dutch side in their own arena.

Massimiliano Allegri will have plenty of decisions to make regarding his starting eleven. The Italian headman is in pursuit of his first Champions League trophy with the club, after being defeated in the finals twice by Spanish opposition, Allegri must now get past a positive Ajax side who will not be an easy out.

Ronaldo's Status

The million dollar question continues to be the status of star striker Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese forward went down with an injury while on international duty, after missing the last four matches with his current club, he is rumored to be available for the first leg of this quarter-finals event, giving the Old Lady an added boost on the front-line.

Federico Bernardeschi, Paulo Dybala, and Mario Mandzukic are all available for service depending on who gets the final call, with 27 goals and  15 assists in all competitions, the trio is more than capable of carrying offensive duties, giving Allegri plenty of options regardless of Ronaldo's availability.

Juve does possess a true x-factor in their camp, with 19-year-old phenom Moise Kean bursting onto the scene. The young Italian has bagged five goals in five consecutive matches, do not be surprised to see his number called at some point during Wednesday's game, as he is sure to make an immediate impact if allowed to shine.

Another critical injury to the Juve squad falls on the teams back-line, with veteran center back Giorgio Chiellini ruled out of contention with a stubborn calf problem. This is a huge blow towards the team's defensive structure, as Chiellini leadership on the backend will be a significant miss against Ajax's lethal attack.

Juventus have been vulnerable on the road during this season's Champions League travels, having lost their last two matches away from home while conceding an average of two goals, taking away from the Italian's invincible reputation.

Ajax vs. Juventus - Match Prediction

This particular matchup grabbed less of the headlines when introduced, but based each teams style of play, and rich club history, it offers more intrigue than many might have projected initially.

Ajax is one of the more exciting clubs to follow in Europe. Routinely scoring multiple goals regardless of their opponents, they never fail to entertain when placed under the spotlight.

The Lancers will face their toughest challenges to date, but their energetic attack will cause the Old Lady plenty of problems, always wanting to push the tempo and create chances on goal, I expect another outstanding performance from the Dutch dark horses.

Juventus will have plenty of questions to answer as the opening whistle arrives, even with a healthy Ronaldo they will still have their hands full with this Ajax squad.

Juve will not be overwhelmed by the atmosphere, but containing the Dutchmen when in possession of the ball will be a real test. The Italians will want to spend a vast majority of the time on the ball, frustrating their young opponents, while looking for a valuable away goals.

Both teams enjoy using their wingers apart of their 4-3-3 formations, wanting to surge down the flanks, while placing precise service into the box where each has more than capable finishers.

Most viewers will expect a cagey affair, but I anticipate a more open game than many might have predicted. I will back both teams to hit the back of the net, with Ajax getting great value as home underdogs in this particular spot.

Ajax vs. Juventus - Betting Tip

Both Teams To Score - Yes  -125 / 1.8

Odds Provided By BookMaker 

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