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| PROBABLE LINE-UPS |
AJAX  Vermeer V' der Wiel, Alderw'd, Vertonghen, Anita Enoh, Eriksen, Janssen Sulejmani, Lodeiro, Ebecilio | REAL MADRID  Adan Arbeloa, Albiol, Varane, CoentraoXabi Alonso, Sahin Altintop, Kaka, Callejon Benzema |
Ajax coach Frank de Boer will still have to make do without the services of defenders Nicolai Boilesen and Bruno Silva due to injury, while midfielder Siem de Jong and striker Kolbeinn Sigthorsson are unavailable as well. Furthermore, winger Derk Boerrigter is doubtful due to ongoing back problems and is unlikely to feature.
However, full-back Gregory van der Wiel is expected to return to the match squad after a brief injury lay-off and will start at right back, while Dmitry Bulykin could also make his comeback to the match squad again.
Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho is expected to rest several key players for Wednesday's encounter at the Amsterdam ArenA, meaning that reserves such as Antonio Adan, Raul Albiol and Hamit Altintop could all get some playing time.
Full-back Alvaro Arbeloa hasn't featured since suffering a hamstring injury in the 3-2 win at Valencia on November 19, but has resumed regular training and could return to the starting XI. Kaka made his comeback from injury against Sporting Gijon and is likely to feature from the start against Ajax.
| DID YOU KNOW? |
- Ajax have collected only five yellow cards so far, the lowest total in the competition.
- The meeting with Madrid will mark a year and one day since Frank de Boer replaced Martin Jol at the helm; his first game was a 2-0 Champions League victory over AC Milan on 8 December 2010.
- Ajax were beaten 4-0 at home by Madrid in the 2010-11 edition of the Champions League, despite the fact that the guests ended the match with nine man after red cards for Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos.
- Real Madrid are the only team that have been able to find the net against Ajax in Europe this season.
- The Blancos are just one win shy of their club record of 15 consecutive victories in all competitions, set in 1960-61.
- Madrid recorded their 250th win in Uefa competitions on matchday five.
The Amsterdam side know that a draw will be enough to book their ticket for the knockout stages, while even a small loss will be enough to stay ahead of Olympique Lyonnais. However, Real Madrid have been in absolutely stunning form in the past few months and although the guests are expected to rest some key players, they still have plenty of individual talent. They should win, but Ajax may still progress.
Editor's Prediction
Ajax 1-2 Real Madrid 
