Two former UEFA Champions League winners collide under the bright lights of Stamford Bridge as Chelsea welcome Ajax for their third group-stage encounter.
The Blues, crowned champions in 2021, are flying high after a strong run of form, while the Dutch giants arrive in London searching for both their first goal and first point in this season’s competition.
Match News and Current Form
Chelsea come into this clash with confidence surging through the squad.
Their 3-0 demolition of Nottingham Forest at the weekend marked a third consecutive win in all competitions, a run that began with their hard-fought 1-0 victory over Benfica here on matchday two.
Stamford Bridge has once again become a fortress in Europe, the Blues are unbeaten in their last 15 home group-stage matches (W11, D4).
This fixture also carries historic significance for Chelsea, as it marks their 200th UEFA Champions League game.
The timing couldn’t be better, with Enzo Maresca’s men looking cohesive, energetic, and resilient.
It’s been over five years since Chelsea last lost a home group-stage fixture in the UCL (September 2019), and based on current form, that record looks safe for now.
Ajax, meanwhile, travel to London in disarray. Their 2-0 home defeat to AZ Alkmaar last weekend deepened their struggles, making it just one win in their last six games across all competitions (D2, L3).
Things look equally grim on the European front, Ajax have lost both of their UCL matches this season without scoring, including a bruising 4-0 loss at Marseille on matchday two.
The Dutch outfit’s decline in Europe has been alarming. They’re winless in five major European outings, and another defeat here would mark their worst continental run since 1989, when they lost six on the bounce.
Head-to-Head History
Chelsea hold the slight edge in this fixture (W1, D1), including that unforgettable 4-4 draw in Amsterdam during the 2019 campaign.
Ajax have struggled historically against English opposition, going 11 matches without a win (D2, L9) in major European competitions, a drought they’ll be desperate to end in West London.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Only one of Chelsea’s last six Champions League matches has seen both teams score.
Remarkably, none of Chelsea’s last 50 European games have ended goalless.
Despite recent struggles, Ajax have lost only four of their last 20 away games in the Champions League proper (W11, D5).
After two matchdays, only Monaco (5) have conceded more first-half goals in the UCL than Ajax (4).
Key Players to Watch
Chelsea’s captain Reece James continues to be a goal threat from deep, having sealed the win against Forest.
Notably, all ten of his last club goals have come after half-time, underlining his late-game influence.
For Ajax, Oscar Gloukh has been one of the few bright sparks amid their recent struggles.
The young midfielder has three goals in his last five appearances, with two of those coming beyond the 85th minute, showcasing his ability to strike late and rescue results.
Team News
Chelsea will be without João Pedro, who is suspended following his red card on matchday two. Injuries continue to affect the squad, but Maresca is expected to rotate smartly to maintain freshness.
Ajax, on the other hand, travel without Kasper Dolberg, their most notable absentee, which further weakens an attack already short on confidence.
Potential Lineups
Ajax: 4-2-3-1 – Jaros; Gaaei, Sutalo, Baas, Rosa; Klaassen, Taylor; Edvardsen, Gloukh, Godts; Weghorst.
Chelsea: 4-2-3-1 – Sanchez; James, Fofana, Tosin, Hato; Santos, Caicedo; Estevao, Bounanotte, Neto; Guiu
Where to watch
United Kingdom: TNT Sports
United States: Paramount+
Canada: DAZN Canada
India: Sony LIV
Australia: Stan Sport
Nigeria: Supersport.
Conclusion
Chelsea have every reason to feel optimistic ahead of this landmark night at Stamford Bridge. Momentum, confidence, and history are all on their side.
For Ajax, the task is monumental, rediscover their spark or risk another damaging European setback.
If current form is any indication, the Blues look poised to celebrate their 200th Champions League match in style with another statement win in front of their home fans.
Final prediction, 3-0 to Chelsea.