Champions League: Manchester City v Ajax match preview

Roberto Mancini Reacting to questions from the media about his future, a visibly angered Mancini said: 'I don't understand why you continue to ask me (about) last year, last month. This is finished. 'Why? Why, for which reason? Why do you (GETTY IMAGES)

Roberto Mancini's side go in to a tough Champions League fixture against Ajax undefeated in the Premier League this season although that same impressive record has not been replicated in Europe.

Half way through the group stage, City find themselves in last place, earning just one point from nine, with Ajax just above them in third with three points.

Looking for the positives against a team that outclassed them when they met last month, Manchester City will have noted that Ajax have found their domestic ventures starting slowly as they stand sixth in the Dutch top flight.

With Borussia Dortmund, who currently top Group D, playing Real Madrid, Mancini will be hoping he can close the gap on the group leaders with a win tonight and keep the dream alive.

KICK-OFF: Tuesday, 7.45pm

PAST MEETINGS…

Ajax 3 (De Jong, Moisander, Eriksen) Manchester City 1 (Nasri), Champions League, Group Stage, 24 October 2012

STATS...

Ajax have scored more goals in the first 15 minutes of a match than at any other time this year in the Eredivisie.

Manchester City, on the other hand, have scored the vast majority of their goals between the 76th and 90th minute.

Ajax go in to this fixture having lost a domestic match 2-0 to Vitesse Arnhem at home - a game they were highly expected to win.

Manchester City also had a tough time this weekend, failing to beat West Ham in a 0-0 draw at Upton Park.

ODDS...

Manchester City: 1.4

Ajax: 7

Draw: 4.5