Chelsea is fresh from a fifth consecutive win in all competitions as they recently nicked a 1-0 win against Newcastle United in the league.
The Blues, however, will have to be more vigilant as they travel to face a quality Ajax unit in a Group H fixture of the Champions League.
Ajax, on the other end, has yet to face defeat this season as they reside at the top spot in the Dutch League as well as their respective group in the European Competition. Chelsea had started off the new season in a wobbly manner but are steadily gaining confidence as games go by. In the Premier League Chelsea sits at fourth, while they find themselves at third in Group H.
Ajax has steamrolled past Lille and Valencia by scoring three goals each in both games of the Champions League. Whereas, Chelsea suffered a 1-0 loss to Valencia at home which was later followed by 2-1 win over Lille.
Match Details
Date- Wednesday, October 23 | Kick-Off- 10:25 PM (IST) | Venue- Amsterdam Arena
Ajax
The good news from the manager, Erik ten Hag is expecting a fully fit squad against Chelsea. Nicolas Tagliafico should be back in contention after serving a suspension at the weekend. Ajax will be going with it’s strongest eleven to gain further supremacy in the group.
Onana should keep his spot as the goalie, while Dest, Veltman, Blind and Tagliafico from the back four. Alvirez and Martinez will possibly lineup as the two holding midfielders. Hakim Ziyech, Van de Beek, and Promes should be in charge of creating chances, while Tadic plays at the front.
Chelsea
Andres Christensen and Antonio Rudiger are sidelined for the upcoming fixture and will be making way for Kurt Zouma and Fikayo Tomori at centre half. Cesar Azpilicueta and Emerson Palmieri are also doubtful to feature against Ajax.
Ross Barkley was witnessed limping off against Newcastle as he now joins the list of injured midfielders while accompanying N’Golo Kante, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Marco van Ginkel. With that being said, Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount and Jorginho could partner along to form the midfield trio. Willian, Tammy Abraham and Hudson Odoi should be in charge of the attack.
Predicted Lineups
Ajax- Onana; Dest, Veltman, Blind, Tagliafic; Alvarez, Martinez; Ziyech, Van de Beek, Promes; Tadic
Chelsea- Kepa; James, Zouma, Tomori, Alonso; Jorginho, Kovacic, Mount; Willian, Abraham, Hudson-Odoi
Key Points
Ajax has kept four consecutive clean sheets in the UEFA Champions League
Ajax has yet to be defeated this season.
Chelsea has won five consecutive games in all competition.
Top Picks
Hakim Ziyech has been doing wonders for Ajax this season. The Moroccan international has scored five goals and has six assists to his name in all competitions. Dusan Tadic has contributed in by significant manner as well, with six goals and 10 assists in 12 appearances for Ajax.
For Chelsea, Tammy Abraham has been prolific this season. The 22-year-old has scored nine goals in 11 appearances for Chelsea this season.
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