Posted by Tim Mallow's View

TMR Football Blogger, Tom Mallows-


With second spot in Group G still very much up for grabs, Ajax host Real Madrid, as they look to take charge of the race between themselves, AC Milan and Auxerre. Real currently top the table clearly but will be looking to cement their chances of winning the group with Champions League betting odds 2010.



Ajax are currently third in the group with four points, with Milan in second on five and Auxerre bottom with three. After suffering a 2-1 loss to Auxerre in their last game, Ajax will realistically need to take something from this match if they are going to progress from this stage. The Dutch side will fancy their chances of getting at least a draw at home to what may well be a pretty relaxed Madrid, already assured of their place in the next round.



Jose Mourinho may choose to rest some of his key players for the tie and will be without injured duo Gonzalo Higuain and Sami Khedira, who both suffered injuries in Real's 5-1 win at the weekend against Athletic Bilbao. Higuain sustained a back injury while German midfielder Khedira strained his hamstring.



Those who bet on Champions League note that Karim Benzema may be handed a start, following his recent goal for France against England. The striker will be looking to prove a point to his manager after falling down the pecking order at the Bernabeu this season.



The Dutch side aren't enjoying the best of seasons domestically so far. They played out a goalless draw against PSV at the weekend, leaving them six points adrift of the leaders, in fourth place.



Despite missing several key players, Madrid look to have too much strength for Ajax and a draw could be the best the Dutch team can really hope for.