Chelsea face Ajax at Stamford Bridge in just over an hour, and the teams are in!
It’s a really interesting lineup and we’re trying to make sense of it. Enzo Maresca has promised Filip Jorgensen important starts, and tonight he gets one, replacing Robert Sanchez in goal.
The back four looks to have Moises Caicedo at right back. We’re not sure why Malo Gusto isn’t playing, given he’s suspended for the game at the weekend. He must be ill or have an injury. Perhaps we will find out from the coach in his flash interview before kick off.
Tosin and Wesley Fofana make up the central pairing in defence. Hopefully this is a good game for them to both get up to match speed after time out injured.
Then in midfield, Enzo Fernandez returns to play alongside Romeo Lavia. Facundo Buonanotte plays in the number ten role ahead of them. This is a big opportunity for him – although we expected to see Andrey Santos.
Out wide, Jamie Gittens and Estevao Willian make an exciting attacking pair, with Marc Guiu leading the line with his first start of the season.
There’s a lot of rotation in there – this is not a strong side in many ways. But Ajax are a poor side at the moment and we should have enough in there to beat them.
Here are the full team line-ups for Chelsea vs Ajax (kick off at 20:00 GMT)
CHELSEA:
Chelsea's team to face Ajax in the Champions League.
Chelsea’s team to face Ajax in the Champions League.
In other news…
The London is Blue podcast look a look at tonight’s opposition and how we might look to hurt them – this team looks perfectly suited to do just that.
Meanwhile Joe Cole also spoke about another of Chelsea’s top stars right now – he thinks Moises Caicedo is the world’s best midfielder, and he gets yet another start tonight.
More Stories about Malo Gusto
Enzo Maresca with Reece James in the tunnel at Nottingham Forest.
Enzo Maresca watches from the stands.
Enzo Maresca watches from the stands.