Sky Sports pundit gives his prediction for Tottenham v Ajax
Charlie Nicholas is backing Tottenham Hotspur to ease to a 2-1 victory over Ajax on Tuesday night
Charlie Nicholas is backing Tottenham Hotspur to edge to a 2-1 victory over Ajax in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Spurs will host the four-time European Cup winners in the first leg of their first-ever Champions League semi-final.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side lost for the first time at their new stadium at the weekend following a 1-0 defeat by bitter rivals West Ham United.
Tottenham have been on a disappointing run of form following five losses in their last nine games in all competitions.
The Lilywhites eased past Manchester City on away goals in the Champions League quarter-finals after a 4-3 loss at The Etihad following a 1-0 win in the English capital.
Ajax won’t fear Tottenham given that Erik ten Hag’s side have already eliminated Real Madrid and Juventus in the Champions League this term.
Former Arsenal midfielder Nicholas is backing Tottenham to edge to a 2-1 victory over Ajax at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday night.
“Tottenham are hitting this awkward spell at the moment,” Nicholas told Sky Sports.
“Are they the favourites? They have never been here before. Ajax, as players, have never been there before but their side have on some occasions.
“This young side do not have any fear, they have five or six super young players who know how to get the job done. Dusan Tadic didn’t have the consistency at Southampton but he and Daley Blind have been great.”
Nicholas added: “Tottenham, on their day, with the pace of Lucas Moura, alongside the skill of Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli, are guaranteed to score.
“I feel Ajax will play and open up the game, Spurs could afford to let Manchester City come onto them, but they will see more possession here.
“I see Tottenham securing the first-leg advantage ahead of next week’s return in Amsterdam.”
Tottenham were 6-1 winners over two legs in the only previous meetings between these two sides in Uefa competitions.
Spurs were 3-1 winners in Amsterdam before the north London side secured a 3-0 victory at White Hart Lane in the 1981-82 European Cup Winners’ Cup first round.
Spurs have managed to reach the Champions League semi-finals by beating Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City.
