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UEFA Champions League Preview: Sparta v Ajax [Tue Sep 13th, 2005]
Even before a ball has been kicked in the Group Stages, it is clear that Ajax's trip to the Czech Republic to face Sparta Prague will be vital in the outcome of Group B.
BACKGROUND
Swiss minnows FC Thun have already, prematurely perhaps, been tipped as the group whipping boys, while Arsenal are predicted to win the Group. This may or may not be the case, but if it is then it will be down to Ajax and Sparta Prague to fight it out for the second qualification spot.
Ajax survived a scare or two to qualify 5-2 on aggregate against Brondby, while Sparta reached the Group Stage automatically. The Czech outfit steamrolled their way to the domestic title last season, while Ajax finished some way behind PSV in second place in Holland, and Danny Blind’s side are not the force they were a few years ago following a string of high-profile departures.
The Amsterdam outfit have already suffered a defeat in the Eredivisie, at home to rivals Feyenoord, but recovered with victory against Willem II at the weekend. It was a busy match for the clubs two Czech players ahead of their return home as Tomas Galasek scored and Zdenek Grygera was sent off.
Similarly for Sparta, they’ve also suffered defeat in the first month of their domestic league. They were beaten 2-0 away by Liberec, who lead the table. Sparta also dropped points againt Brno in their next match, but sit in joint second in the table after five games.
TEAM NEWS
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Ajax's captain Julien Escude will miss the trip with a muscular injury, although Grygera has recovered from an ankle knock and should start.
PROBABLE STARTING LINE-UPS
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