Chelsea return to Champions League action against Ajax on Wednesday night.placeholder image
Chelsea return to Champions League action against Ajax on Wednesday night. | Getty Images
Chelsea will aim to continue a strong run of form when they host Ajax in the Champions League
Chelsea are back in Champions League action on Wednesday night, and Enzo Maresca’s side will be faced by Dutch giants Ajax as the Blues hope to pick up another important victory at Stamford Bridge.
Recent wins over Nottingham Forest, Liverpool and Benfica have put to bed fears over a downturn in form, though disciplinary issues have continued to be a major concern. The Blues have already picked up four red cards since September 20, five including head coach Maresca against Liverpool.
Suspensions will have an impact on the Italian’s selection against Ajax, who are rock-bottom of the Champions League table and have yet to score or pick up a point. Joao Pedro will be suspended for the Blues following his dismissal against Benfica, though the Premier League side held on for victory.
Maresca could decide to rotate his squad on Wednesday night, for a match in which the Blues appear to be strong favourites.
Predicted Chelsea starting XI to face Ajax
GK - Robert Sanchez: Has started every game so far this season, keeping five clean sheets across league and Europe, and will keep his place.
RB - Malo Gusto: The Frenchman was sent off late on at Nottingham Forest, but his ban only applies to the Premier League. Likely to start on Wednesday as he will be unavailable at the weekend, meaning Reece James could get a rest.
CB - Trevoh Chalobah: Likely to start alongside him is Chalobah, who has started every game available this season and is enjoying a renaissance at Stamford Bridge.
LB - Marc Cucurella: Also an almost ever-present this season, Cucurella is consistently one of Chelsea’s top performers and will likely keep his place.
Predicted Chelsea midfield and attack for UCL night
CM - Moises Caicedo: Started on the bench due to fitness issues against Forest, but is likely to return to the XI on Wednesday. Could switch with Romeo Lavia in the second half if both players still lack the fitness to play a whole 90 minutes. Caicedo recently received stunning links with Real Madrid.
RW - Pedro Neto: Also an ever-present across the league and Champions League, Neto has been trusted by Maresca so far this season and can play on either wing. He might start on the right on Wednesday.
AM - Estevao: Though more comfortable on the right, Estevao came on in a central area in the Blues’ last Champions League fixture and might get a start with Cole Palmer still on the sidelines. Without a start in three matches, he will be chomping at the bit to make it back into the XI.
LW - Jamie Gittens: Maresca could give a chance for Gittens to feature from the start after he came on at half-time in the victory at Forest. We are still waiting for Gittens to burst into life as a Chelsea player, but this could be the night he does just that.
ST - Marc Guiu: Was introduced alongside Gittens at Forest and showed an impressive desire to cause problems for the opposition defence with his clever runs in behind. His only start so far this season was in the EFL Cup at Lincoln City, and he could appear for the Blues in the Champions League for the first time in the absence of Pedro.
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