Liverpool go to the Dutch capital of Amsterdam to face Ajax in a crucial Champions League match tomorrow night. Kick-off is at 20:00 BST from Ajax's Johan Cruyff ArenA. If Liverpool can at least get a draw, they will move on to the Champions League knock-out stages.
It is the Reds' first match in the Champions League since thrashing Rangers 7-1 on October 12th. Liverpool hosted Ajax earlier in the group stage, beating them 2-1 on September 13th at Anfield. There is currently a 6-point gap between the two teams in Group A and any point from Liverpool will knock Ajax out of the Champions League.
This is Liverpool's first game since last weekend's unacceptable loss to Nottingham Forest. This match represents yet another chance for the Reds to improve their form away from Anfield. The Champions League has proven to be the competition where Liverpool have seen some success away from home this season.
Finishing the Job in Amsterdam
Qualifying for the knock-out stages seemed like a foregone conclusion this year. However, the 2022-23 season hasn't exactly gone to plan. Knocking Ajax out, and in the process moving on in the Champions League, would give the team a boost heading out of October and into November.
It is important that the Reds get just one point in Amsterdam. A win would be great but, honestly just getting that point would do a lot for the morale in the Liverpool locker room. The mission should be to get the job done against Ajax and move on down the road.
It's not a given, as we know Ajax are a club with a long and storied European career. They are also at the top of their league, the Dutch Eredivisie by 4 points over their rivals PSV Eindhoven. Ajax are known to use the Cruyff ArenA crowds to their advantage and they will be keen for the upset.
Good News on Injuries
In his Tuesday press conference, Jürgen Klopp had some good news in regard to two of Liverpool's top players. Striker Darwin Núñez is fit to play after dealing with a slight hamstring issue that kept him out of Liverpool's last 2 matches.
Defender Ibrahima Konaté has also been ruled back in by the manager. The French defender has been dealing with a knee injury all season that has limited him to just 2 total appearances this season.
It remains to be seen how each player might be used in tomorrow's match but, it stands to reason each should be in contention for playing time.
LFC Globe Verdict
Be careful. Ajax is a proud team and they will not want to get knocked out of the Champions League tomorrow. It's up to the Reds to play a smart game. That might mean playing a pragmatic defensive game that ends in a draw.
The team's health has been a problem all season but, going into tomorrow's match with two big names back in the fold, is great news. Liverpool should use this match to try and get its legs back under them after the upset loss to Nottingham Forest over the weekend.
Where To Watch
Kickoff is set for 20:00 BST and can be seen on BT Sport 2 in the UK. American audiences can enjoy the afternoon kick-off at 3:00 PM EST on Paramount+ and Canadian viewers can stream on DAZN.
Additional Liverpool FC streaming options are available for other regions and countries.
