Preview: Real Madrid vs. Ajax

Dutch champions Ajax travel to Real Madrid fully aware that a victory will see them book their place in the Europa League.

However, anything but a win will leave them sweating on Manchester City's result against Borussia Dortmund in Germany.

Recent history would suggest that Ajax will require Dortmund to do them a favour. They have met Madrid five times over the last three seasons and have lost on each occasion. During that time, Madrid have registered an aggregate score of 16-1.

With his side unable to overhaul Dortmund at the top of the group, Madrid coach Jose Mourinho may give some of his squad players the chance of a run out at the Bernabeu.

That means that the likes of Jose Callejon and Raphael Varane could feature from the start.

Recent form

Real Madrid: WWLDW

Ajax: WWLWW

Possible starting lineups:

Real Madrid: Casillas; Coentrao, Varane, Ramos, Arbeloa; Alonso, Khedira, Modric; Ronaldo, Callejon, Higuain

Ajax: Vermeer; Moisander, Blind, Alderweireld, Van Rhijn; Poulsen, De Jong, Eriksen, Hoesen; Boerrigter, Fischer

Sports Mole says: 2-1