Having picked up just one point from their opening two group matches, Premier League champions Manchester City need to beat Ajax in the Amsterdam ArenA on Wednesday evening if they are to stand a realistic chance of qualifying to the knockout stages.

The Citizens will be boosted by the fact that Ajax have not beaten an English team at home since Nottingham Forest visited back in 1980.

However, Roberto Mancini will be without David Silva for the clash. The Spanish international has been ruled out because of a hamstring injury, while Jack Rodwell, Maicon and Javi Garcia will also be sidelined.

Following his two goals against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, Edin Dzeko is expected to partner Sergio Aguero in attack.

Meanwhile, Ajax coach Frank de Boer has a fully fit squad to select from for the encounter.

Recent form

Ajax: WWWLLD

Man City: WDDLWW

Possible starting lineups:

Ajax: Vermeer; Van Rhijn, Alderweireld, Moisander, Blind; Poulsen, Eriksen, Sana, De Jong, Boerrigter; Babel

Man City: Hart; Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Kolarov; Milner, Y Toure, Barry, Nasri; Dzeko, Aguero

Sports Mole says: 0-2