Champions League Preview: Ajax v Real Madrid

Probable lineups:

                                            

Real Madrid:

Arbeloa, Albiol, Varane, CoentraoXabi Alonso, Sahin
Kaka, Callejon
Higuain, Benzema

Ajax:
Vermeer
V' der Wiel, Alderw'd, Vertonghen, Anita
Enoh, Eriksen, Janssen
Sulejmani, Lodeiro, Ebecilio


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.