Sports fans, get ready! We’re looking ahead to an exciting Champions League showdown on Wednesday night as Chelsea takes on Ajax at Stamford Bridge. It’s a big occasion for both teams, each on the verge of some major milestones. Chelsea will be playing their 200th match in the tournament and aiming for a fourth consecutive win. Meanwhile, Ajax is looking to make a mark in their 250th top-tier European match—definitely a night filled with significance!
### Match Preview
Let’s rewind a bit to Chelsea’s recent success. Just a couple of weeks ago, they achieved a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Benfica. It was quite the story—Chelsea didn’t even need to score themselves, thanks to an own goal from Benfica’s Richard Rios. While they had their share of challenges, including a late red card for Joao Pedro, it all turned out in their favor.
Since that win, Chelsea has been on a roll, cruising through a three-match winning streak that covers both their Premier League and Champions League efforts. Their most recent triumph, a hefty 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest, not only bolstered their confidence but also cost Forest’s coach Ange Postecoglou his job. And after some shaky moments in September, doubts about Chelsea’s management seem to have faded away. Under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, the Blues are buzzing as they aim to extend their impressive record of remaining unbeaten in their last 15 home games in the Champions League.
Now, on the flip side, Ajax has had a tougher road lately. Their last Champions League match saw them falling to Inter Milan 2-0 at home, followed by a staggering 4-0 loss to Marseille. With neither points nor goals to show for their efforts in this season’s Champions League, they find themselves languishing near the bottom of the group. Ouch! It’s their worst start in the tournament since the 2012-13 season, adding to the pressure on head coach Johnny Heitinga.
To make matters worse, Ajax has only snagged one win in their last six matches across all competitions, including a recent home defeat to AZ Alkmaar. And while the board hasn’t pulled the trigger on a coaching change just yet, the team’s form is making it a lot harder to argue in favor of stability.
As Chelsea prepares to welcome Ajax to Stamford Bridge, fans can’t help but recall that epic 4-4 clash between the two back in 2019. Wednesday night holds promise for another thrilling encounter, but for Ajax, the stakes feel considerably higher.
### Team News
Looking at the team news, Chelsea has had a somewhat mixed bag. After Malo Gusto received a late red card against Nottingham, he’ll be sitting out for their upcoming Premier League match against Sunderland. Chelsea is still without a few key players, including Cole Palmer (groin), Mykhaylo Mudryk (doping ban), and Levi Colwill (ACL). Enzo Fernandez’s availability is also up in the air due to a knee issue.
On the bright side, Moises Caicedo showed his readiness by playing a half on Saturday and could step into midfield. However, former Ajax defender Jorrel Hato might have to settle for a spot on the bench as he faces his old team.
For Ajax, they’re feeling the pinch too. Left-back Owen Wijndal is out after a muscle issue during their last match and they’re missing key attacking talents along with midfielder Branco van den Boomen, who’s nursing a back injury. This could open the door for Wout Weghorst, previously with Manchester United, to step up in the number nine role.
### Predictions
As we gear up for the matchup, the expectations are high. Chelsea appears to be in fine form, while Ajax is struggling. With their current lineup and the momentum they’ve built, we might just see Chelsea breeze through this one.
So, my prediction? Chelsea might just take this by a convincing score of 4-0. It’s hard to see Ajax putting up much of a fight given their recent form and struggles.
And there you have it! Put on your favorite jersey and get ready for an entertaining night of football at Stamford Bridge. Whether you’re a Chelsea die-hard or an Ajax admirer, it promises to be a memorable match. Cheers to that!
About the Author
