Ajax manager John Heitinga will be going up against a familiar foe in Chelsea on Wednesday.
Heitinga takes his Ajax side to Stamford Bridge for their third game of the Champions League league phase.
As a player, the 41-year-old faced the Blues on numerous occasions and even managed to score a goal against them once.
On Wednesday, though, Wout Weghorst will be the one to watch from an Ajax perspective.
Ajax manager John Heitinga sitting down
Photo by Peter Lous/EYE4images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
John Heitinga scored in Fulham’s 3-1 loss to Chelsea as Andre Schurrle bagged hat-trick
During his playing days, Heitinga crossed paths with Chelsea 10 times (as per Transfermarkt), which includes a 3-1 loss while lining up for Fulham.
The Dutchman managed to score that day, but by the time that he was able to find the back of the net, the damage was already done.
Andre Schurrle had already scored a devastating hat-trick, a hat-trick that was completed in just 17 second-half minutes!
That afternoon, Heitinga had to try and contain a Chelsea attack that boasted Schurrle, Eden Hazard, Oscar and Fernando Torres. On Wednesday, he will also have to face a dangerous forward line, albeit from the sidelines this time.
Chelsea will be without Cole Palmer, who is still recovering from a groin injury. However, Enzo Maresca can still call upon the likes of Estevao Willian and Pedro Neto.
The latter was brilliant last time out, helping Chelsea to beat Nottingham Forest with a goal and assist.
In the summer, Neto reportedly had interest from Saudi Arabia. As he continues to shine for Maresca’s side, it is not hard to see why.
Chelsea players in defensive line during Ajax clash
Photo by Visionhaus
Chelsea’s previous two results against Ajax
Chelsea’s last two games against Ajax both came in the Champions League during the 2018/19 season.
The Blues beat their upcoming opponents 1-0 at the Johan Cruyff Arena before playing out a thrilling 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge.
A VAR review stopped Chelsea from winning that game 5-4 after Cesar Azpilicueta was adjudged to have handled the ball before his strike past Andre Onana.
Given the contrast in their forms, this time around, Chelsea should have a much more comfortable game.