Tottenham vs Ajax predicted line-up: Harry Kane and Son Heung-min to miss Champions League semi-final first leg

Tottenham face Ajax in a Champions League semi-final first leg at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday evening.

In the last round, Mauricio Pochettino’s side progressed past Manchester City on away goals in a thrilling 4-4 quarter-final, while Ajax shocked Juventus and Cristiano Ronaldo with a 3-2 aggregate victory.

Tottenham have had mixed fortunes since qualifying for the semi-finals, suffering Premier League defeats to Manchester City and rivals West Ham, either side of a last gasp win over Brighton.

Meanwhile, Ajax have been victorious in all four of their Eredivisie games since eliminating Juventus, and are ahead of PSV Eindhoven at the top of the league on goal difference, with two games remaining.

Tottenham fans will feel that their team should defeat Ajax over two legs, but seem aware that Erik Ten Hag’s side are dangerous and well-rounded. Built around Dutch prodigies Frenkie De Jong and Matthjis De Ligt, Ajax also have the talented David Neres and threatening Dusan Tadic in their front line.

Predicted line-ups

Tottenham: Lloris; Trippier, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Rose; Dier, Wanyama, Alli, Eriksen, Lucas; Llorente

Ajax: Onana; Veltman, De Ligt, Blind, Tagliafaco; Schone, De Jong, Van De Beek; Ziyech, Tadic, Neres

Tottenham are without key players in the injured Harry Kane and suspended Son Heung-min, while Moussa Sissoko is unlikely to be fit in time, and fellow midfielders Harry Winks and Erik Lamela are confirmed absentees. Ajax will be the fresher side, with seven days’ rest coming into this game.

What time does it start?

Tottenham vs Ajax kicks off at 8pm (GMT).

Where can I watch it?

The match will be shown live on BT Sport 2, with coverage beginning at 7pm.

Subscribers can also watch the game on BTSport.com and the broadcaster’s app, or in ultra-high definition on BT Sport 4K UHD.

Head-to-head…

Ajax 1-3 Tottenham, European Cup Winners’ Cup, September 1981

Tottenham 3-0 Ajax, European Cup Winners’ Cup, September 1981

Form guide…

Tottenham: WWLLWL

Ajax: WDWWWW

Odds…

Tottenham to win: 13/8

Ajax to win: 15/8

Draw: 12/5

(Odds by Betfair)

Prediction… Tottenham 1-1 Ajax

This could be a tough evening for Spurs, who will be fielding a weakened team against a fearless Ajax. Spurs fans should not be disappointed with a draw, which would set their team up to grab vital away goals in the second leg in Amsterdam.