Ajax vs. Real Madrid 2012, UEFA Champions League: Game time and TV schedule

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Ajax have a solid young team, but they're also dealing with a serious injury problem and a mediocre run of form. Real Madrid should be able to take all three points.

A fully fit Ajax side against a Real Madrid team resting players for the Clasico might be a fantastic matchup. Unfortunately, Ajax are missing five players -- two of them key attackers -- while Madrid are fully fit and likely to play a top-notch in Amsterdam on Wednesday. Anything short of a win probably eliminates Ajax from knockout stage contention already, and an outright loss will make it tough for them to make the Europa League.

Real Madrid's depth is good enough that Jose Mourinho won't have to play all of the players that he wants to use against Barcelona this weekend. Expect to see whichever one of Karim Benzema or Gonzalo Higuain he doesn't plan on starting this weekend, since they seem to be dual-first choice these days. Luka Modric might rest as well, because what else did Madrid buy him for but to use him against Barcelona?

Ajax injuries and suspensions

Out: Miralem Sulejmani (ankle), Thulani Seerero (groin), Nicolai Boilesen (hamstring), Eyong Enoh (knee) and Kolbeinn Sigthórsson (shoulder)

Real Madrid injuries and suspensions

Out: None. In doubt: Michael Essien (foot)

Ajax would have trouble in this fixture even if they didn't have major injury problems. The absences of Sigthórsson and Sulejmani seriously limit their attack. Between their injury problems and Madrid's lack thereof, Los Blancos might rest a couple of players to get them ready for this weekend's Clasico.

Match Date/Time: 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET

Venue: Amsterdam Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands

TV: FOX Soccer Plus (U.S.), FOX Deportes (U.S. - Spanish), Sky Sports red button (U.K.), Sportsnet World (Canada), Sport1 Select (Netherlands), Canal+ (Spain)

Online: FOX Soccer 2 Go (U.S.)