UEFA Champions League early match: Miller analyzes and picks Ajax vs Atalanta

In a familiar situation, Ajax hopes to reverse fortunes Wednesday in UEFA Champions League

Almost one year, Ajax went into a Match Day 6 UEFA Champions League contest at the Johan Cruijff ArenA on top of the group, knowing a point would be good enough to advance.

But Valencia came in and got a 1-0 win, while Chelsea beat Lille 2-1, to knock Ajax from first to third, and out of the Champions League.

Wednesday, Ajax is the team that needs to win; a draw or loss will not be enough for the Dutch side against second place Atalanta, with Liverpool already through as Group D winner.

This is a really tough game to call. There will be goals, and both teams have players out through injury/sickness. Atalanta just needs a draw to advance, but have been struggling of late. The match postponement from the weekend could prove advantageous, though, giving the players a much needed rest.

But Ajax is healthier, despite the two straight losses.

I would take Liverpool in the other match if the Reds put out a half decent lineup, but Klopp could take the U14 team, so I won’t pick it here.

Check Fubo.tv for channel listings

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATCHDAY 6 EARLY GAME

Game starts at 12:55 pm EST on CBS All Access, TUDNXTRA, and Fubo.tv

GROUP D

Ajax (+133) vs. Atalanta (+175), draw (+280); tied 2-2 MD 2

THE PICK:

Ajax pick (-127)

Ajax over 1.5 goals (-127)