Verdict: Pedro Neto over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
Turning their attention back to Champions League duties on Wednesday night, Chelsea will welcome Ajax to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea
Starting with the hosts, while Chelsea might have signed off September with a shock 3-1 drumming at home against Brighton, the Blues have come roaring back in an impressive fashion. Last seen over the weekend marking their return from October’s international break with a routine 3-0 victory away at a struggling Nottingham Forest, Enzo Maresca’s men will be smelling the chance to extend on their recent purple patch here. Heading into October’s fortnight interval with a stunning last-gasp 2-1 win at home against reigning Premier League champions Liverpool, Chelsea have won their previous three appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 6-1. Putting a maiden Champions League victory on the board last month as they clinched a 1-0 victory against Benfica, the Blues are rightfully installed as a standout contender here.
Chelsea Team News
While French defender Malo Gusto might have been shown a late domestic red card against Nottingham Forest over the weekend, the 22-year-old is free to feature here. However, dealing with a mounting injury list, Chelsea will be without the likes of Levi Colwill, Liam Delap and attacking talisman Cole Palmer.
Opening his Premier League account on Saturday lunchtime, skipper Reece James could once again start in the middle of the park. Settling for a spot on the bench over the weekend, former Brighton star Moises Caicedo could be handed a full recall in west London.
Ajax
As for the visitors, suffering what was an infamous title collapse last season, Ajax rightfully came under a huge amount of scrutiny over the summer. However, despite officially appointing new boss John Heitinga back in May, the Dutch giants find themselves in the midst of what has become another public rut. Marking their respective return from October’s international break with a 2-0 loss at home against AZ Alkmaar, the Lancers have mustered just a single win from any of their previous six appearances across all competitions. Likewise, last seen in Champions League action falling to a woeful 4-0 drumming at the hands of French outfit Marseille, Ajax have shown some major defensive struggles. Losing their first two European showdowns by an aggregate score of 6-0, Heitinga’s downbeat squad face another heavyweight challenge here.
Ajax Team News
Ahead of their trip to west London on Wednesday night, Ajax will travel to Stamford Bridge without the duo of Kasper Dolberg and former Toulouse midfielder Branco can den Boomen here. Likewise, missing out against Alkmaar over the weekend, Dutch international Owen Wijndal remains a doubt.
One-time Manchester United loanee Wout Weghorst will spearhead Ajax’s charge in the final third. Settling for a spot on the bench on Saturday, Davy Klaassen could be handed a full recall in the middle of the park and should partner Kenneth Taylor here.
Chelsea vs Ajax Key Factors to Consider
- Chelsea have won each of their previous three appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 6-1.
- Likewise, the Blues have won four of their last five outings.
- Ajax have mustered just a single win from their previous six appearances across all formats.
- The Dutch icons have lost their opening two Champions League appearances by an aggregate score of 6-0.
- Continuing on from last season, Ajax have failed to muster a single victory outside of Amsterdam since the middle of April.
Conclusion
Eventually storming their way to a 3-0 romp away at Nottingham Forest over the weekend, Chelsea will be smelling a golden opportunity here. Putting a maiden Champions League victory on the board as they clinched a 1-0 win against Benfica last month, Wednesday’s hosts will meet an Ajax squad who find themselves at the heart of yet another public rut. Landing just a sole win over the past six weeks and showing some extended defensive issues, Maresca’s camp will be confident of making a European statement in west London.
Verdict: Pedro Neto over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
