Tottenham vs Ajax predictions: 3 key battles

Tottenham’s unbeaten run at home came to an end with a 1-0 defeat to West Ham on Saturday but Mauricio Pochettino’s side cannot dwell on the result with a huge game against Ajax coming up in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

The Dutch side have already knocked out defending champions Real Madrid and Serie A winners Juventus so far and it will be a huge task for Spurs on Tuesday. Tottenham will have to take something from their home game as Ajax are incredibly strong at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

Here are three key battles that could determine the game on today:

Frenkie de Jong vs Christian Eriksen

The 21-year-old’s performances have earned him a move to Barcelona and he will be a massive threat both in the attack and defensively.

De Jong has the ability to completely negate Eriksen’s influence on the game, which would be a massive blow for the North Londoners.

Eriksen, a former Ajax prodigy, will look to make a mark against his former side and if he can penetrate through de Jong and the rest of Ajax’s midfield, Tottenham are sure to have a number of chances up front.

Fernando Llorente vs Matthijs de Ligt

With the injury to Harry Kane and suspension to Son Heung-min, Llorente could be given the responsibility of leading the line on Tuesday and his hold-up play and threat in the air will be a huge outlet for Pochettino’s side.

De Ligt has, without a doubt, been one of the best defenders in Europe this season. The teenager hasn’t been fazed by the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, and he will be high on confidence against a Tottenham side without Kane and Son.

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Hakim Ziyech vs Danny Rose

Ziyech has been a star for Ajax this season both in the Eredivisie and in the Champions League. He played a massive role in Ajax’s victories against Real Madrid and Juventus and if he is on song on the night, he will leave Tottenham’s defenders rooted to the spot.

Danny Rose has been featuring regularly for Spurs in recent weeks and the Englishman has to have the best game of his season to stop Ziyech.

The Algerian’s pace and trickery on the ball will no doubt pose a huge threat for Rose but if he can manage to stop him, Tottenham’s chances of a victory will increase significantly.