The Spanish and Dutch champions meet for the first time as the two European heavyweights clash in champions league group stage match.
Barcelona start their champions league campaign at home as they invite the Dutch champions on a match where the two heavyweights will have a clash for the first time in history when the Group H match kicks off. Barcelona and Ajax are grouped along with AC Milan and Celtic as the two teams will advance to the later stage of the tournament.
Barcelona have been recently well as their last 5 record included an unbeaten streak with three wins and two draws, the draw came against Atletico Madrid in both occasions while the Dutch giants have suffered one defeat and two draws, winning two matches in their recent five.
The Spanish giants Barcelona currently fit at the top of their league table winning four La Liga matches and sharing equal points and similar goal difference with Atletico Madrid while the defending Eredivisie champions has failed to conquer the league table as they lie forth with three wins, two draws and one defeat in six league matches played this season.
Predicted Line up
Barcelona (4-3-3): Valdés; Alves, Piqué, Mascherano, Adriano; Busquets, Fàbregas, Iniesta; Sánchez, Messi, Neymar
Ajax (4-3-3): Vermeer; Van Rhijn, Moisander, Denswil, Boilesen; Poulsen, Schone, Serero; Bojan, Sigƿórsson, Fischer
Source: Barca Blaugranes
Injury Update
Barcelona could be troubled with injury as Carles Puyol, Jordi Alba, Isaac Cuenca and Ibrahim Afellay all missed the final cut with injury while on a brighter note, Pedro Rodriguez will return to the champions league squad.
Ajax will enjoy fully fresh squad with technically gifted players, although the sell of players like Erikson might hamper in one way or the other.
Prediction
With home support, I would go for Barcelona taking the full three points in their first champions league match this season with a predicted score of 3-1.
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