Looking Ahead: How Chelsea Might Tackle Ajax This Wednesday
As we gear up for Chelsea’s Champions League clash against Ajax this Wednesday, let’s dive into what the lineup could potentially look like. It’s always thrilling to speculate about who’ll take the field, especially with a big game like this on the horizon.
First up, let’s chat about Enzo Fernandez. The Argentine midfielder is in a bit of a pickle; he returned from international duty nursing a minor knee injury. This setback meant he had to sit out Chelsea’s impressive 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest last Saturday. Fans are still hopeful, but it sounds like his participation on Wednesday could be a bit of a nail-biter.
On the bright side, Moises Caicedo is back in action. He managed to clock 45 minutes in that same clash against the Tricky Trees. Alongside him for some part of the match was Romeo Lavia, with Malo Gusto also making headlines—though not for the best reasons. Gusto got sent off late in the game, which means he’ll be serving a suspension this weekend against Sunderland.
Now, with Gusto out, it seems likely that he’ll still keep a spot in the starting lineup for the time being, given his prior contributions. You can expect a refreshed midfield with Caicedo coming back in, but there’s a chance Fernandez might not suit up for this one, possibly saving him for the next Premier League match.
Moving things around a bit, Reece James is expected to return to his favored right-back position. But here’s an interesting twist: we could see a new central pairing of Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana. Fofana had a little break against Forest, likely as a precaution, so now he might be back, ready to assert himself alongside Adarabioyo.
Looking further up the pitch, there’s a refreshing wave of youthful energy bubbling through the squad. Estevao and Facundo Buonanotte are both in the running to shake things up a bit, possibly replacing Alejandro Garnacho and Andrey Santos respectively. It’s always exciting to see young talents get a chance, isn’t it?
As for the attacking front, Pedro Neto is a pretty safe bet to keep his place. He’s been looking solid lately, and joining him in the number nine role should be Joao Pedro. This is especially relevant since Liam Delap is still recovering from a hamstring issue and won’t be available.
Now, Chelsea won’t be without their fair share of absentees. Besides Delap, they’ll also miss a handful of other key players: Cole Palmer (groin), Mykhaylo Mudryk (doping ban), Levi Colwill (ACL), Dario Essugo (thigh), and Benoit Badiashile (muscle). That’s quite a list, but Chelsea’s depth means they’ve got options.
So, what might the starting lineup look like? Here’s a potential setup for the match against Ajax:
- Goalkeeper: Sanchez
- Defense: James, Adarabioyo, Fofana, Cucurella
- Midfield: Gusto, Caicedo
- Forward Line: Estevao, Buonanotte, Neto, Joao Pedro
It’s a fascinating mix, and one that reflects both experience and a youthful zest for the game. With the Champions League always providing a stage for players to shine, it’s definitely going to be a match to watch.
As the day approaches, the anticipation builds. Here’s hoping for a thrilling match at Stamford Bridge! Whether you’re a die-hard Chelsea fan or just tuning in for the drama, there’s sure to be some captivating moments on the pitch. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for a strong performance!
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