Good evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for tonight's huge Champions League Group H match between Ajax and Celtic at the Amsterdam ArenA. It may not appear like the most glamorous tie in the group, with Barcelona and AC Milan also facing each other this evening, but there is plenty hanging on this match tonight.

We'll start by looking at our hosts tonight, and it is simply a must-win game for Frank de Boer's side. They sit bottom of the group with a solitary point to their name, and defeat would end their chances of progressing from the group. Even a draw is unlikely to be enough for Ajax as they still have AC Milan and Barcelona waiting for them in their final two games.

A win tonight would see Ajax leapfrog Celtic in the table, and such a result could prove lucrative even if the Dutch side are unable to catch the top two. When the groups were drawn, many saw it as a straight race for third place between these two sides, and a win for the hosts would put them back in pole position to qualify for the Europa League after Christmas.

While progressing from the group is still a mathematical possibility, however, Ajax will have their sights set on it. They don't come into this game in awe-inspiring form, though. A 1-0 defeat to Vitesse in the last outing leaves them sixth in the Eredivisie.

While that sixth position isn't actually as bad as it appears on the face of it - they are just three points off top of the table - there is no disguising that their recent form has been disappointing. Ajax have only managed one win in their last five matches in all competitions, and that came against lowly ASWH of the fourth tier in Dutch football.

Their home form will give them an extra bit of confidence, although even that has been slightly more shaky than usual recently. That defeat to Vitesse at the weekend is their only loss at the Amsterdam ArenA in their past 14 home matches, while only Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund have won Champions League games here since 2007.

Despite only those two giants of European football tasting success here in this competition, their overall record doesn't make great reading for Frank de Boer. They have not won any of their last six games in the Champions League, losing four and drawing two. It should be noted, however, that they have not exactly come up against the minnows of European football in that time. Their defeats came at the hands of Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona and Celtic two weeks' ago, while the draws were creditable results against Manchester City and AC Milan.

One fact that Ajax will not be proud of going into this game is that this is their worst start to a Champions League campaign ever. Despite not being a European powerhouse for some time now, the Dutch side have never failed to win in their first three fixtures before this season. They will be eager to make sure that winless streak doesn't extend to four tonight.

In Celtic, they come up against a team who have already shown that they are capable of beating them. The Bhoys triumphed 2-1 at Parkhead a couple of weeks ago to thrust themselves right back in the mix of Group H. They still remain underdogs to qualify, but another win tonight would give them a very good chance.

In fact, a win tonight could even see them move into the top two at AC Milan's expense, should Barcelona get an expected win over the Italian giants at the Camp Nou. That would put Celtic in charge of their own destiny in the group but it would still be an uphill struggled to qualify, with Milan and Barca still to play. The fact that they face Milan at their formidable home fortress could be a deciding factor, however.

They have three points from their three group games so far - all garnered in that win against Ajax in Glasgow - but manager Neil Lennon may think that his side deserve even more than that. They were impressive away against AC Milan and pushed Barcelona all the way at Parkhead, so they have shown that they can mix it with the big boys of European football on these special nights.

One thing they need to do is score more goals. They have only found the net in one of their three matches so far, scoring just two goals - a group low they share with tonight's opponents. They have no such trouble domestically, having scored 23 goals on their way to an unbeaten start and top of the table in the Scottish Premiership, but the Champions League is a step up from that.

Their last outing was a disappointing 1-1 draw with Dundee United at the weekend, but they come into tonight's match in good form overall. They are unbeaten in five games in all competitions, with their last defeat coming at the hands of Barcelona at the start of October. Domestically, their 11-game unbeaten streak at the start of the season is their longest since the 2003-04 season.

In the Champions League - particularly away from home - it is a different story. Celtic are notoriously difficult to beat at Parkhead in this competition, just ask Barcelona, but without the tens of thousands of passionate Glaswegians behind them, their quality is usually exposed a little on their travels. They have only won one of their last seven away games in this competition, and that was a 3-0 win over Cliftonville in the qualification rounds for this season's tournament.

In the six of those seven games that they failed to win, Celtic managed just two goals. Things get even worse when you just look at their away record in the Champions League proper, too. The Bhoys have won just one of their last 25 away matches in the Champions League group stages and beyond - a 3-2 win over Spartak Moscow last season.

If they can end such a torrid record tonight, they would be very well placed in the group. Even if, as expected, they finish behind both Barcelona and AC Milan, victory tonight would leave them five points clear of Ajax in the group, with the Dutch side then needing wins against both of the big two to overtake Neil Lennon's men. We can say with a fair level of certainty that that won't happen, which means that a win for Celtic tonight would virtually guarantee European football for them after Christmas, be it in the Champions League or the Europa League.

TEAM NEWS: The team news is in for both sides, and from Celtic's point of view it is very positive. Lustig, Commons and Samaras were all slight doubts going into tonight's game, but the trio have been deemed fit enough to start. As for Ajax, they welcome Moisander back from injury as he starts on the bench. Full team news for both sides coming right up.

AJAX STARTING XI: Cillessen; Van Rhijn, Veltman, Denswil, Boilesen; Klaassen, Blind, Serero; Schöne, De Jong, Sigthórsson

AJAX SUBS: Vermeer, Moisander, Poulsen, Van der Hoorn, Fischer, Andersen, Hoesen

CELTIC STARTING XI: Forster; Lustig, Ambrose, Van Dijk, Izaguirre; Forrest, Kayal, Mulgrew, Commons; Samaras; Stokes

CELTIC SUBS: Zaluska, Fisher, Rogic, Ledley, Boerrigter, Pukki, Balde

So, what can we make of those two teams? Well, Ajax have named the expected front three, but that will make them no less dangerous to Neil Lennon's side. De Jong enjoys a growing reputation in Europe and there have been reports linking him with a move to some big teams for a number of years now.

Sigthorsson may well be the biggest threat to the Celtic defence tonight, however. The Icelandic striker has netted seven goals in 15 games in all competitions this season, and he will be looking to add to that impressive tally this evening.

As for Celtic, the return of that trio is a huge boost for Neil Lennon and his side. Samaras in particular seems to relish these European nights, even if he can be a bit eccentric at times. Without him, Lustig or Commons, in addition to the absence of suspended captain Scott Brown, it would have been hard to see them getting anything out of tonight's game.

Tonight will also be a big night for Fraser Forster, who has a chance to enhance his international credentials. He has been widely tipped to start England's friendly double header against Chile and Germany later this month and, with Joe Hart out of favour with Man City, Forster opportunity to make the number one jersey his own may well be coming. A good performance tonight certainly wouldn't hurt his chances.

Of course, in an ideal world, Forster wouldn't want a save to make tonight, but the likelihood is that he will be quite busy. Ajax weren't at their best at Parkhead and there is no doubt that Celtic's home atmosphere gives them an extra edge in Europe. Tonight is likely to be a much different game than the one we saw a fortnight ago.

PREDICTION: We're 10 minutes from kickoff in Amsterdam, which means that it is time for a match prediction! For Ajax, this is simply a must-win game, while Celtic will be more concerned with avoiding defeat. The visitors could come under quite a bit of pressure at times tonight, but they have shown that they are a different animal in Europe, even with such a poor away record. I don't see the Bhoys winning tonight, but they might just be able to nick a draw. I'll go for 1-1.

I have already mentioned the first meeting between these two teams in this season's competition, but they also met back in 2001 in the third qualifying round tie. Celtic went through on that occasion, winning 3-2 on aggregate thanks to a 3-1 win here in Amsterdam. A repeat result tonight is unlikely, but it would put Neil Lennon's side in a very strong position.

Back to tonight's match, and the build-up to it has been slightly marred by an unprovoked attack on a group of Celtic fans last night. They were allegedly beaten by a group of 30 or so people, who ambushed them in a bar that usually acts as an Ajax supporters pub.

The roof will be on the Amsterdam ArenA this evening after persistent rain throughout the week forced the hosts' hand on the matter. Lennon admitted that he would rather the roof be open, but if it makes for a better spectacle having it closed then it is the right decision.

Of course, this being a Champions League night, we here at Sports Mole have plenty of live football to offer you across the board. You can see a selection of our live commentaries here, and I will also be keeping you up to date with major events from around the continent, with an extra close eye on Barcelona vs. AC Milan.

Back to Amsterdam, though, and we're just about ready to go here. The Champions League music rings around the stadium, always capable of raising the atmosphere a few notches, the players shake hands and the coin is flipped. All that is left is the 90 minutes of football!

KICKOFF: Ajax get us underway here in a must-win match for them. Celtic can afford to draw tonight if all they have ambitions of is reaching the Europa League, but if they plan on qualifying from Group H then they always need maximum points.

Veltman takes an early risk as he tries to chest down a high ball upfield. He slightly mis-controls it, which almost allows Stokes a clear run on goal, but the Dutch defender just about recovered in time to make amends.

This is a really bright start from the hosts as Schone makes a couple of good breaks down the right and sends some dangerous crosses into the box. Celtic just about clear the danger on each occasion, but that has got the home fans shouting early on here.

Celtic have weathered the early storm and are starting to settle a bit now. Neither side has really been able to string together a good set of passes so far and it is quite a scrappy game at the moment.

SAVE! Denswil has the first good effort of the match as he curls a fine free kick towards the bottom corner from a good 30 yards out. Forster is always getting there, tipping it past the post, but that was a very accurate effort considering the distance he shot from.

UPDATE: The first Champions League goal of the night goes to Marseille and Andre Ayew, who has given the French side a shock lead away to Napoli. He is quickly followed by Miranda, who gives Atletico Madrid a 1-0 lead against Austria Vienna.

The home fans appeal for a penalty as Van Rhijn cross into the box strikes Van Dijk in the area, but none of the players are appealing and the referee is right to wave it away. It was another promising break down the right flank for Ajax, though.

Celtic have a free kick from a long way out and their training ground routine is so long-winded that Ajax are pretty much tackling Van Dijk as he shoots. They make a quick break through Sigthorsson, but Serero could not control the pass when he would have had a clear run on goal with a better touch.

It is Celtic's turn to come forward this time, but some good defending denies the visitors. Commons had released Stokes and the strike advanced into the box, but as he looked to beat his man the ball was expertly nipped away from him. It only fell as far as Samaras, but the Greek then gave it away while looking for Stokes.

SAVE! That is a very important save from Forster as he denies De Jong. It was Van Rhijn who set up the chance with a brilliant cross from deep, and De Jong's header from around the penalty spot was directed towards the bottom corner, but Forster got down well to turn it around the post.

YELLOW CARD! Samaras goes into the book inside the first 20 minutes for a trip on Serero, but the more pressing issue is where the foul took place. Ajax have a free kick in a very promising position...

...It is another decent effort from Denswil as he whips it in with pace and makes it bounce right in front of Forster, but the Celtic keeper doesn't have to move much, staying fairly central to make a comfortable save.

UPDATE: Steaua Bucharest have taken the lead away to Basel, which is something of a surprise. That group, which contains Chelsea of course, is wide open at the moment. Elsewhere, Napoli have equalised against Marseille through Gokhan Inler.

Ajax have had quite a bit of joy down the right flank at the moment, with Van Rhijn getting forward at will and causing plenty of problems. Samaras is the man charged with stopping that, but it is fair to say that defending isn't his strong point. Add to that the fact that he is already on a yellow card, and that wing could be a problematic area for the visitors tonight.

Ajax have another free kick in a very dangerous area. This one is slightly more central, too, so should give Ajax an even better opportunity to shoot than the last one. Celtic can't keep given them away in these areas.

Well, perhaps they can if they are all like that. Schone thumps it into the wall before scuffing his rebound effort wide. It took a slight deflection on the way through, however, so it will be a corner to the hosts.

Van Dijk finds Forrest on the right wing with a sweeping 50-yard diagonal ball. The winger controls and switches it onto his right foot before whipping his cross towards the near post. This time it is easy for the keeper to collect, but that is the first time we have seen Forrest against the full-back tonight.

UPDATE: Napoli have turned things around against Marseille and now lead 2-1 thanks to Gonzalo Higuain's strike. Atletico Madrid have doubled their lead against Austria Vienna, meanwhile, with Raul Garcia heading in from Diego Costa's cross.

The referee has been fairly lenient with his cards tonight, which is good to see. There have been a few occasions, fuelled in no small part by the crowd, where a yellow card has been an option, but apart from that Samaras challenge he has kept it in his pocket so far.

UPDATE: I was starting to think that Messi was human after his recent scoring 'drought', but the little magician is back on the scoresheet in the other game in Group H tonight. Barcelona lead Milan 1-0 through his penalty, while Samuel Eto'o has also given Chelsea a lead against Schalke.

Commons gets a talking to from the ref for a lunging tackle on Boilesen, but still no card is produced. You get the feeling that there definitely be one if Commons makes another bad challenge, though. That is his final warning.

De Jong shows good skill on the edge of the box to poke the ball through the legs of Ambrose, but Van Dijk is covering well and makes an important interception to stop the Ajax striker being one-on-one with Forster.

UPDATE: Barcelona are now 2-0 up in the other Group H match tonight, which is good news for Celtic. Sergio Busquets is the man who has doubled his side's lead with a rare goal.

Celtic have a couple of corners in quick succession but neither provide a good chance, with Van Dijk heading an opportunity well wide from the second. Still no real chances in this match, but it has been an entertaining spectacle.

YELLOW CARD! Having let a number of card-worthy challenges go for Celtic, the ref has just shown a yellow to Klaassen for one that wasn't even a foul! It was a 50/50 challenge with Mulgrew and Klaassen won it, but his foot was deemed to be dangerous high. Poor decision.

YELLOW CARD! The cards are coming out more often now, but the ref didn't really have a choice on this occasion. Izaguirre brought his man down with a cynical tackle to avoid a quick break and was subsequently put into the book.

Celtic get away with one there. Serero floats a lovely ball into the area and Schone is very close to connecting with it as it bounces through to Forster, who probably should have come out to collect it.

Serero is involved again here as he goes for goal himself from around 25 yards. He made space on his right foot well enough but his subsequent effort was disappointing as he curled it high and wide.

There will be just the one minute of added time at the end of this first half.

That wasn't the highest quality half of football you will ever see, but it has been more entertaining than the 0-0 scoreline suggests. That is not to say that 0-0 is an unfair representation of the match, however, as neither side have had a clear sight of goal so far.

Ajax have had the better of general play, as expected in front of their own fans, but they haven't been able to breach a stubborn Celtic defence so far. The hosts' best moments have come from free kicks, with Denswil testing Forster on a couple of occasions.

In terms of open play, Ajax have enjoyed the lion's share of possession but only have a De Jong header to show for it so far. Once again Forster was tested by that, but the three main saves that the England keeper has made have all been fairly routine for him.

At the other end, Celtic really haven't threatened the Ajax defence at all. Cillessen has been a spectator for much of the game, watching on as his opposite number for Celtic has been a lot busier than he has. Stokes and Samaras haven't shown any signs of breaching the Ajax defence, while the exciting Forrest has cut a lonely and isolated figure on the right wing.

Despite all that, Neil Lennon will be pleased with his side's performance so far. They have not been overrun by Ajax and are giving as good as they are getting in the midfield battle, which is what dominates this match at the moment. The visitors will have come into tonight's match with the number one priority of avoiding defeat and, as things stand, they are on course to achieve that. If they want to win and eliminate Ajax in the process then they will have to step up a level in the second half, but a similar performance to their first half one could be enough to hold on for a draw.

As things stand in Group H at the moment, Celtic will be one point behind AC Milan with a home tie against the Italian giants to come, as well as a visit to the Camp Nou to take on Barcelona. The game between Milan and Barca tonight is not a foregone conclusion, however, as Milan pulled a goal back just before half time through a Gerard Pique own goal. It is now 2-1 to Barcelona in Spain.

The onus in the second half is firmly on Ajax. A draw would all but see them eliminated from the competition, so they have little choice but to go for it in the second half - they have nothing to lose after all. That could open up chances for Celtic on the break, although you'd think that they would be more concerned with defending their own goal.

KICKOFF: Celtic get us back underway as Bob Marley blares out from the stadium's speakers. He's telling them not to worry, but if the hosts don't find a goal soon then the concerns will start to creep in I'm sure.

Ambrose makes a terrific run out of defence, showing a potent mix of speed and power to beat three men in the middle before threading a pass through to Stokes. The striker has just gone too early, however, and the linesman's flag calls him back for offside.

Van Dijk again mops up a dangerous looking Ajax attack. He has been a rock in defence so far tonight.

CHANCE! Some poor defending from Ajax almost allows Celtic to score an invaluable opener. Kayal picked the ball up on the halfway line before running straight down the middle of the pitch. Neither centre-back closed him down, instead backing off until the midfielder reached the edge of the box. He has space, but slices his shot high over the bar when he should have hit the target.

That is a superb team goal from the hosts, one that had all of the footballing ideals of Ajax written all over it. Schone and Serero were the main protagonists, exchanging passes on the edge of the box before the former advanced into the area and poked the ball past Forster, That was a good, composed finish to cap off a lovely move.

Celtic have a platform to build on as they look for an immediate response. Mulgrew is standing over a free kick in a promising position but, not for the first time tonight, his delivery is disappointing.

SAVE! This has been a good response from the visitors. Stokes is played in inside the box and has space to shoot from a fairly tight angle. It is always going to be tough to beat Cillessen from that angle but Stokes does the right thing in hitting it low and hard across the keeper. In the end, though, it is a fairly comfortable save from the Ajax man.

OFF THE LINE! I said before the game that Forster had a chance to stake a claim for the England number one jersey tonight, but he doesn't exactly inspire confidence here. He completely misjudges an inswinging corner, allowing it to fly over his head only to be saved by Izaguirre's head off the line.

Forrest gets away from his man and suddenly the Ajax defence looks very stretched. The winger has space to run into for the first time tonight, but for some reason he cuts inside instead of utilising his pace and attacking down the flank. That allows the defence to get a tackle in and a very promising situation for the visitors breaks down.

The tempo has certainly been cranked up a few notches since that goal. Celtic are now really pushing for an equaliser, which is also creating more holes for Ajax to attack on the break. It is an open and entertaining match right now and, for the first time in the game, both teams look capable of scoring.

UPDATE: Some good news for the English teams on show tonight - Chelsea have doubled their lead against Schalke through Eto'o's second of the game, while Arsenal are now 1-0 up away to Borussia Dortmund, with Aaron Ramsey once again on the scoresheet.

Boilesen sends a sumptuous low pass into the path of Serero, taking the entire Celtic defence out of the equation in the process. Forster comes out to meet it and chooses to tackle with his feet rather than with his hands. He gets away with it, but that was unorthodox goalkeeping from him.

Celtic have a free kick in a very good position as Commons's cross-field pass is blocked by a hand. The referee takes a long time to give it but eventually comes up with the correct decision, and the visitors have a good chance for an equaliser here.

It isn't the best strike from Commons as his effort fails to get off the floor. It goes around the wall but is easy for the keeper, who scoops it up on the line.

YELLOW CARD! Denswil picks up a yellow card for a foul on Commons and he can have no complaints with that one. Celtic have another free kick in a good position, but this one is more suited to a cross rather than a shot.

It is a good delivery this time, but the keeper is commanding as he comes out and punches it clear. It falls to Kayal outside the box, and the Isreali can't keep his shot down as he lashes it over the crossbar.

Commons goes for an ambitious chip from range and his effort is not too far away, but Stokes is not happy as he had made a couple of good runs behind the defence while calling for the pass.

AJAX SUB: The first change of the day sees Serero make way for Viktor Fischer. Serero has had a good game today, so it is a bit of a surprise to see him go off.

CELTIC SUB: A few whistles accompany the introduction of Derk Boerrigter, who came through the ranks at Ajax before joining Celtic. He comes on for Stokes.

Fischer has a half-chance just a couple of minutes after coming on as a sub, but he can't get hold of his shot. The pass was a little behind him and he could generate sufficient power to trouble Forster.

UPDATE: Marseille equalised against Napoli courtesy of a Florian Thauvin strike, but the Italian side have since regained the lead through Higuain's second of the night. Arsenal will be keeping a close eye on events in Naples as they still lead Dortmund in Germany.

CELTIC SUB: Kayal's evening is over as he makes way for Joe Ledley, who is still easing himself back to full fitness following injury. Can he make a difference in these closing stages?

SAVE! Ajax make a quick break down the left through Fischer, who has looked bright since coming on. He slips the ball in to Schone, who allows the Celtic defence to get back goal-side of the ball before firing a low shot straight at Forster, who collects with ease.

Things are getting really open now, and Sigthorsson has a chance to take advantage. He makes his way into the box before cutting back inside onto his left foot. He has Schone screaming for the pass in the box but instead chooses to go for goal, dragging a tired finish straight at Forster.

CELTIC SUB: Teemu Pukki becomes the third and final change for Celtic, coming on to replace Commons, who has very little left in the tank.

Brilliant defending from Veltman as he makes a crunching but perfectly-timed tackle on Forrest inside the box to bring an emphatic end to a good little move from the visitors. Celtic would have had a very good chance had that tackle not been made.

AJAX SUB: Wise change from Frank de Boer as he brings on the experienced Christian Poulsen, who should act as a steadying influence in midfield for the hosts. He comes on for Klaassens.

UPDATE: Celtic now lead Schalke 3-0 at Stamford Bridge, with Demba Ba getting the third, while Barcelona have also scored a third against Milan, Messi making it 3-1 to the Spanish side. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid have taken a four-goal lead against Austria Vienna, with Diego Costa getting his obligatory goal having missed a penalty earlier in the match.

Really good work from De Jong as he nutmegs Ledley and then shows good strength to hold the midfielder off and squeeze a shot in from a tight angle that Forster kicks behind for a corner.

OFF THE POST! Where was the Celtic marking there?! Denswil has a completely free header from the corner, but he still can't steer it on target, heading it into the floor before seeing it bounce up and off the outside of the post.

Ajax are finishing the strongest here and Celtic don't seem to have enough left in the tank to force one final push. It is the hosts who look most likely to score a second in these closing stages.

AJAX SUB: One final change for the hosts just to wind the clock down as Sigthorsson makes way for Mike van der Hoorn.

There will be four minutes of added time at the end of this match. Time for some late drama, perhaps?

Now Celtic are starting to make a final push for it, and they are leaving pretty much everyone upfield in a desperate search for an equaliser. If Ajax manage to break away then they would be well-placed to score a second, but they are more focused on defending at the moment.

The referee blows the final whistle and the Amsterdam ArenA erupts as their European hopes live on for at least another round of matches. They are still in contention for qualification from Group H now but, perhaps more realistically, are in pole position for third place and a spot in the Europa League.

Frank de Boer will be delighted with that result, particularly given their recent form. The clean sheet is a very welcome bonus, and he will also get plenty of joy from watching Schone's winning goal over and over. It was vintage Ajax football that won them this match, and it was a deserved victory too.

As for Celtic, their disappointment at missing the chance to move second in the group is palpable. You have to imagine that qualification for the knockout rounds of the Champions League is now beyond them, while they will also need to pull off a shock against either AC Milan or Barcelona to stand any chance of reaching the Europa League. Their away woes in Europe continue with their 24th defeat from 26 matches in the group stages and beyond.

Right, that is just about all we have time for this evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for tonight's match. It was a must-win for Ajax and they duly obliged, keeping their Champions League dreams alive with a 1-0 win over Celtic. Stay tuned for our match report and analysis, which will both be on site shortly, while you can also check back in with us tomorrow for plenty more live European football from the Europa League. Until then, it is goodbye from me!