Both teams have qualified for the knock out stage and Bayern, who are very experienced in Champions League play and who are looking to reach the semi final stage for an amazing 10th year in a row, will win the group with a point. Ajax will be delighted with how things have played out so far and can take the #1 spot with all three points, there is no real pressure on them , so they can relax and play their natural game and  see this as a great opportunity to test themselves, something which they have spoken of frequently in build up, a chance to see how far they have come in European terms. They drew 1-1 in Bavaria back in October playing with a false 9 and might well opt to do so again, it was successful that night, they "beat" Bayern 7-4 in attempts on target , also hit the woodwork, with Manuel Neuer in the home goal the far busier of the two keepers. Bayern have missed Corentin Tolisso this season and Arjen Robben and James Rodriguez are also out today, they have won their last three starts (one in this competition) , but victories over Bremen and Nurnberg who were both struggling for form in build up doesn't tell us much, or that the early season struggles have definitely passed. They are currently 3rd in the Bundesliga, nine points behind Dortmund, their lowest position in a decade and on course for 65 points this season, the total they collected in 2010-11, the only time in 12 seasons they have finished outside the top 2. I feel this game has been priced more on reputation than anything much we have seen on the pitch this season and anyone watching the reverse fixture without knowing the teams involved, would rush to back the away team from that , now at home, at these odds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is a "friendly" with Benfica having already guaranteed themselves Europa League football and AEK being pointless at the foot of Group E with a -10 goal difference and having failed to score in 4/5 starts. Hosts are putting a positive spin on things , want as many points as possible to "show how unlucky they were" and to collect the prize money, which the head coach spoke of several times in interview. AEK are feeling very sorry for themselves, spoke about how unfortunate they have been with injuries and that they are even worse off tonight, they are missing a host of players, have few midfield options and a must win league game on Sunday away to Larisa which is a 4 hour trip from Athens. Head coach Marinos Ouzounidis said that he will field some non midfielders in the centre of the park and added that he will also have to play some who have yet to start this season, his final gloomy comment was that Andre Simoes will not play again, he and a couple of other players declined to sign a new contract and are "hopefully" being found new clubs in January. It doesn't sound good !

 

 

 

 

I previewed AEK-Ajax which the visitors won 2-0 two weeks ago ............

 

 

 

Good Luck.