Frank Lampard’s Chelsea team will be looking to keep their impressive run of form going when they’re visited at Stamford Bridge by last season’s semi-finalist Ajax. Although the Blues emerged victorious from the reverse fixture, Ajax will be hoping to assert their dominance over the group by making a statement in West London.
Chelsea displayed their young squad in full-flow for the majority of the tie against Watford at the weekend, despite being caused a few problems in the final minutes. A win at Stamford Bridge would take the Blues three points ahead of Ajax and into first place, while effectively sealing their progress to the next stage of the tournament. Michy Batshuayi’s late goal was the difference when the two teams last met.
Team News
A massive bit of news for Chelsea fans would’ve been the timely return from injury of Italian international full-back Emerson, who spent an extended period out on the sidelines. Having replaced Marcos Alonso in the teamsheet on Saturday, he is certainly in contention for this fixture as well. Another player currently dealing with an injury is German centre-half Antonio Rudiger, whose return could trigger the end of any defensive fragilities this Chelsea team has shown.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek is still working on his recovery from the long-term injury he picked up at the back end of last season. Although he has been seen around Cobham over the last month, the youngster is yet to train with the first team. N’Golo Kante’s injury, is another that Frank Lampard has been extremely cautious about over the past few weeks. Although the Frenchman’s return is close, there’s no need for the Blues to rush him back.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Defence
The Blues have managed to find a certain level of defensive stability in the centre-half pairing of Kurt Zouma and Fikayo Tomori, and although Antonio Rudiger is suggested to be close to a return, expect the working formula to be implemented by Lampard yet again this weekend. The duo has formed an excellent partnership over the last couple of months, and seem to have the attributes that complement each other perfectly.
Marcos Alonso could make his return to the team after missing out last weekend. Emerson’s return from injury is massive news for Chelsea fans, and his performance against Watford on Saturday made it look like he was never gone. On the opposite flank, expect the Chelsea skipper Cesar Azpilicueta to continue, with Spanish teammate Kepa Arizzabalaga guarding the Blues’ goal.
Midfield
The Blues have been in top form in recent weeks, and a massive part of this is down to the supreme quality being showcased by Chelsea’s two talented midfielders. Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho have been revelations this season for the Pensioners, and are expected to keep their place in the team ahead of a crucial European tie.
Ahead of them, Willian and Callum Hudson-Odoi could get the nod on either flank, which means that Christian Pulisic will have to do with a place on the bench for this tie. Mason Mount should continue in the number ten role where he has excelled so far this season.
Attack
Tammy Abraham scored his 9th league goal of the campaign against Watford at the weekend with a brilliant first-time finish. Despite the games coming thick and fast for the Blues, the young Englishman will be eager to pull on the Chelsea shirt at every possible opportunity, and it doesn’t look like Lampard is going to change that anytime soon.
