Ajax face Benfica at the Johan Cruijff ArenA on the same day Man United take on Spanish Champions, Atletico Madrid
By Kehinde Okeowo
Man United defeated Spurs in a pulsating encounter at Old Trafford on Saturday, but Arsenal leapfrogged them back into 4th position after beating Leicester City a day later.
With City, Liverpool, and Chelsea firmly in control of the first three positions in the Premier League, United can only hope to snatch the 4th position ahead of four other teams to qualify for UEFA Champions League (UCL)
But they are not in the driving seat, as they are currently 5th and one point behind Arsenal who currently occupy the 4th position and have 3 games in hand.
West Ham, Wolves, and Spurs who are in the 5th, 6th, and 7th positions respectively, are not far away from Untied and are also contending for the last Champions League spot.
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As the race for top four hots up in the Premier League, Tuesday’s UCL second leg match against Atletico Madrid at Old Trafford becomes a must-win for United after earning a draw in the reverse fixture.
Atletico Madrid are unlucky to be going into the encounter with a 1-1 aggregate scoreline after bossing the first leg in Madrid.
But Man United playing at home in front of a packed stadium should be an incentive to scale through to the last eight in a game that will be officiated by Slovenian referee, Slavko Vincic.
Having said that, Atletico Madrid are capable of beating United at Old Trafford, they go into the encounter as the form team, having won three of their last four games, the hosts on the other hand have won only one of four.
Meanwhile, Ajax take on Benfica at the Johan Cruijff ArenA on the same day and at the same time, having drawn the first leg 2-2 away to the Portuguese club.
The Dutch outfit have the better form going into the game, they have won all the three games they played since the draw against Benfica, while the visitors have won 2 and drawn one.
Spanish referee, Carlos del Cerro has a game on his hands, because the two sides were inseparable in Portugal, though, Analysts believe Ajax are likely to progress given their form and home advantage.
