Frank Lampard’s high-flying Chelsea team will be looking to secure their progress into the knockout stages of this season’s Champions League when they welcome last season’s semifinalist Ajax, to Stamford Bridge. In the reverse fixture which took place on matchday 3, Chelsea successfully manoeuvred the difficult task of playing Ajax at home and won the fixture 1-0.
Moreover, what was impressive about Chelsea’s achievement was that it was the first time in over a year that the Dutch champions had failed to score at home. Although both teams are level on points atop Group H, Ajax currently occupy the top spot due to a better goal difference. A win would give either side the upper hand in the group, making this one of their most important games of the season so far.
Talking Tactics
Chelsea
The Blues are expected to stick to the 4-2-3-1 formation that worked exceptionally well against Watford on the weekend. Although the game did get a bit messy towards the end, the Blues were in complete control for most of the tie, thanks to some excellent work in midfield from Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic. The duo has become adept at dealing with opposition pressure, often seen strolling out making challenges with ease. With Christian Pulisic and Tammy Abraham beginning to form a solid partnership as well, this Chelsea team could be hard to stop.
Ajax
The Dutchmen have lost just once in their last 19 fixtures in all competitions – the game they lost to the Blues only a month ago. Expect Ajax to start with their standard 4-3-3 formation with Dusan Tadic leading the line. They will look to use the pace of Quincy Promes and cause Azpilicueta problems down Chelsea’s right. The full-backs will have to do a lot of defensive work as well, meaning that Ten Haag could opt for a slightly more conservative pairing.
Team News
Chelsea
The Pensioners are coming into the tie with quite a lot to be excited about following a decent run of form on all fronts. The biggest news is that N’Golo Kante, Andreas Christensen and Ross Barkley, all trained with the first team today, ahead of their Champions League tie. Although Antonio Rudiger is also said to be close to a return, he isn’t quite ready to feature for the first-team yet. Emerson could drop to the bench, with Spanish full-back Marcos Alonso replacing him in the lineup.
Predicted Lineup: Arizzabalaga, Azpilicueta, Zouma, Tomori, Alonso, Jorginho, Kovacic, Willian, Mount, Pulisic, Abraham
Ajax
The visit to Stamford Bridge could force Ajax to adopt a slightly more defensive setup that on the weekend, especially considering that they almost threw away a three-goal lead against Zwolle. Edson Alvarez could return to the midfield to partner Lisandro Martinez, which would mean that Donny Van De Beek moves up into a more advanced position. Despite picking up a brace on the weekend, expect David Neres to drop down to the bench.
Predicted Lineup: Onana, Mazraoui, Veltmann, Blind, Tagliafico, Alvarez, Martinez, Ziyech, Van De Beek, Promes, Tadic
Key Men
Chelsea
The Blues’ in form American star Christian Pulisic has four goals in his last two appearances, and he will be looking to keep the good run of form going by making a statement in Europe. An excellent opportunity to announce his arrival in England, Pulisic will be looking forward to putting on a good show in front of the Chelsea faithful.
Ajax
In their last encounter against Chelsea, the ineffectiveness of Dusan Tadic in the central striker’s role, up against the likes of Kurt Zouma, cost them quite dearly. This time around, the Serbian international skipper will be looking to put up a better display. He needs to try and bypass the Chelsea defence by making smart runs into the box if he is to have any effect on the game whatsoever.
Odds
A home win is currently being backed at 10/11 and does look like the most likely outcome. With that said though, the odds for a draw at 13/5, just cannot be ignored. With an Ajax win currently at 14/5, anyone feeling adventurous could really win big with this tie.
