Ajax v Juventus: Preview and possible line-ups

TEAM NEWS

Ajax

Mazraoui has received too many yellow cards to be able to feature in the Champions League QF first leg so Rasmus Kristensen will likely come in to replace him. Other than how, Erik ten Hag isn't expected to make any more changes. Dusan Tadic should start up front having impressed at the Bernabeu last month. Ajax will have to be careful however because four of their players are one booking away from suspension.

Juventus

Moise Kean, who has been all over the media recently after being subjected to racial abuse, will likely start on the bench for this clash as Cristiano Ronaldo makes a return from injury. Emre Can will not feature on Wednesday night due to an injury sustained against Milan. Matuidi will likely replace him in midfield. Alex Sandro was not available for Juventus against Atletico through suspension but should feature in Allegri's starting line-up. Chiellini won't be able to have an impact for Juventus having been ruled out through injury.

MANAGERS' THOUGHTS

Erik ten Hag

"We must play our way against Juventus. The most important thing is the result tomorrow. We are only thinking about the match against the Bianconeri.

"We have a good midfield, we manage possession well but when we don't have it we have to be good at recovering the ball as soon as possible.

"I think it's nice if Ronaldo plays. We want to play against the best possible opponent. That's a challenge and we like to face challenges. It's fantastic if you can compete against a player like Ronaldo."

Ajax manager on Chiellini's absence:

"Chiellini is a very important player for Juventus but they have several players who can take his place," he added. "We will certainly have to give it our best."

Massimiliano Allegri

"Ajax are a strong team. They eliminated Real Madrid and played on a par against Bayern. As always a match like Ajax-Juve is an important game. It will be an open match and we will have to be very focused.

"Ajax play in a different way to Atletico Madrid. They are a very aggressive team and it's going to be a physical match, we need to score an away goal.

"Daniele Rugani is one of the best young players in Italy and in Europe. Emre Can was in good form and I hope to have him at my disposal for the return leg. Rodrigo Bentancur is also going good at the moment.

"Douglas Costa has recovered and he's someone who could make a big impact across both games. I'm disappointed not to have Cuadrado available."

FORM GUIDE

POSSIBLE LINE-UPS

Ajax

Onana; Kristensen, De Ligt, Blind, Tagliafico; De Beek, De Jong, Schone; Ziyech, Tadic, Neres

Juventus

Szczesny, Cancelo, Rugani, Bonucci, Sandro, Khedira, Pjanic, Matuidi, Bernardeschi, Mandzukic, Ronaldo.