Ajax manager Alfred Schreuder does not believe Liverpool have an advantage despite not playing at the weekend.
The Reds had their home clash with Wolves postponed - along with all other football in the United Kingdom - as a mark of respect following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday afternoon. But the red half of Merseyside won't have to wait too long to get to Anfield with Jurgen Klopp’s side hosting Ajax in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.
The Dutch champions did play at the weekend, thrashing Heerenveen 5-0 to keep them top of the Eredivisie with six wins from six games. They also sit top of the Champions League group after beating Rangers 4-0 at home last week. But Schreuder does not believe his side are disadvantaged by playing at the weekend, while the Reds had slightly more time to prepare for the game on Merseyside.
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“We have continued the line of the home game against Rangers,” Schreuder said after Saturday’s 5-0 win against Heerenveen. “Especially the way we are on the field: the energy, the fun we radiate and the hunger to keep going when we score.
"We expected a difficult start against Heerenveen, they have a good organisation. If you score early, that's quite a knock. That 2-0 over it gave a good feeling. We ran into problems a few times due to counters, but the second half went according to plan. Then you can also switch.
“Off to Liverpool, I would say. I don't know how they are now, but I don't think it's a big disadvantage that they don't play a game this weekend."
Liverpool will need to bounce back quickly from last week’s 4-1 humbling at Napoli if they want to top Group A and enjoy a favourable draw for the last-16. Thiago is expected to continue his return to full fitness after he came on as a substitute in Naples, while Joel Matip could also make his first start since the opening weekend 2-2 draw at Fulham.
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