Ajax vs Bayern Munich
UEFA Champions League. Kick-off: 8pm, Wednesday 12th December. Live on BT Sport Extra 2.
AJAX have arguably been the surprise package of this season's Champions League and a win over Bayern Munich would see them top Group E against the odds.
Such an scenario seemed highly unlikely at the end of last season when fans angrily confronted players after they came home from the 3-0 hiding at PSV Eindhoven that made it four years without a title.
But they have been transformed in this campaign, dropping just five points in the league to sit only two points behind PSV in the Dutch table.
Their European form has been even more impressive, coming through tough qualifiers with Sturm Graz and Dynamo Kiev before claiming some excellent results in a tough group containing Bayern, Benfica and AEK Athens.
A 2-0 win in Greece last time out was helped by the red card that led to Dusan Tadic's penalty opener but it assured Ajax's place in the last 16.
That means the pressure is off for the visit of Bayern, although the carrot of finishing top and securing an easier tie in the knockout phase means there's still plenty to play for.
Despite their fine form, 888 Sport still make Ajax 14/5 outsiders and that seems very generous, even though Bayern's form has picked up after a poor start under new boss Niko Kovac.
Bayern Munich, who are 19/2 favourites at 888 Sport with the draw 11/4, have won three in a row in all competitions, including a 5-1 thumping of Benfica in their last Euro outing.
That's probably why the bookies make them favourites for this one but I think Ajax will make life hard for them so try backing the Dutch side in the draw no bet market at 37/20 with 888 Sport.
It was 1-1 when these sides met in Munich earlier in the section and a draw with both teams to score may also be worth a punt here at 33/10 with 888 Sport.
Tadic has been prolific in Europe for Ajax and looks good value at 11/4 for anytime scorer, especially as he takes penalties.
Deadly Robert Lewandowski is the man the bookies fancy to break the deadlock as he's just 3/1 for first scorer and 4/5 for anytime scorer with 888 Sport
There's better value elsewhere in the Bayern side, with winger Serge Gnabry a tempting 7/1 to net first and 47/20 for anytime scorer at 888 Sport.
Recommended bets
- Ajax draw no bet 37/20 (888 Sport)
- Draw with both teams to score 33/10 (888 Sport)
- Dusan Tadic anytime scorer 11/4 (888 Sport)
I'm a sports journalist, football tipster and author from Dundee, who is now working in Glasgow. I've covered games at every level, from Junior football to internationals, and still love football even though it has clearly sold its soul. I've been in football tipping since 2018 with the MFT site.
