Chelsea vs Ajax preview, predictions & confirmed team news
Chelsea host Ajax at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday in a huge clash at the top of Champions League Group H.
The Blues earned an impressive 1-0 win in Amsterdam last month in the reverse of this fixture, leaving the two sides joint-top of the group with six points each.
Victory for either side would take them a huge step closer to qualifying for the knockout rounds but, given the form both right now, this will be a difficult one to call.
Read on for Chelsea v Ajax predictions, preview, team news and TV coverage information.
When is Chelsea vs Ajax and where can I watch live?
Competition: Uefa Champions League
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Date: Tuesday, 5 November 2019
Kick-off: 8:00 PM (UK time)
TV coverage (UK): BT Sport 2
Frank Lampard discusses N’Golo Kante’s fitness
Recent form
Chelsea
02/11/19: Watford 1-2 Chelsea (Premier League)
30/10/19: Chelsea 1-2 Manchester United (Carabao Cup)
26/10/19: Burnley 2-4 Chelsea (Premier League)
23/10/19: Ajax 0-1 Chelsea (Champions League)
19/10/19: Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle (Premier League)
Goals scored: 9 Goals conceded: 5 Form: WLWWW
Ajax
01/11/19: Zwolle 2-4 Ajax (Eredivisie)
27/10/19: Ajax 4-0 Feyenoord (Eredivisie)
23/10/19: Ajax 0-1 Chelsea (Champions League)
19/10/19: RKC Waalwijk 1-2 Ajax (Eredivisie)
06/10/19: Den Haag 0-2 Ajax (Eredivisie)
Goals scored: 12 Goals conceded: 4 Form: WWLWW
Ones to watch
Chelsea: Christian Pulisic
The timely introduction of Christian Pulisic to the Chelsea starting XI will go down as just as much of a positive for Frank Lampard as it will for the player himself, given the criticism the manager received for limiting his minutes earlier in the season.
‘Captain America’ has shown just what he’s capable of during his recent run in the side, with his hat-trick against Burnley grabbing headlines across the world. This Champions League tie against Ajax is just another chance for Pulisic to prove himself at the highest level.
Key stat: Pulisic has been directly involved in seven goals in his last seven Chelsea games (four goals, three assists).
Ajax: Dusan Tadic
Dusan Tadic has just one goal in his last 10 games and compared to the lofty standards he’s set since joining Ajax, could be considered a little off form.
Despite that, his overall contribution to the team hasn’t dropped, with the Serbian still providing seven assists during that time, and his link-up play will be vital as Ajax look to establish a foothold at Stamford Bridge.
Key stat: Tadic has provided 12 assists across Eredivisie and Champions League games this season, more than any other Ajax player.
Mason Mount hails Frank Lampard’s influence
Team news
Chelsea
N’Golo Kante has returned to the Chelsea matchday squad but the Frenchman is only fit enough for the bench, with Lampard making just one change from the team that beat Watford on Saturday.
Marcos Alonso replaces Emerson at left-back, with the Italian still regaining full fitness, while Willian and Christian Pulisic flank Tammy Abraham in attack.
Predicted XI: Arrizabalaga; Azpilicueta, Zouma, Tomori, Alonso; Jorginho, Kovacic, Mount; Willian, Abraham, Pulisic.
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Ajax
Quincy Promes’ double against Zwolle on Friday sees him start again for Erik ten Hag, who has name an unchanged side for the trip to Stamford Bridge with no significant injury concerns.
Predicted XI: Onana; Mazraoui, Veltman, Blind, Tagliafico; Van de Beek, Martinez, Ziyech; Neres, Tadic, Promes.
Squawka prediction
Chelsea had to dig deep to pick up a 1-0 win in Amsterdam last month and in truth, were a little fortunate to do so.
Both sides are in red-hot form at the moment and given the youthful and attacking nature implemented by both managers, we should be treated to an entertaining clash.
Scoreline prediction: Chelsea 2-2 Ajax
