Chelsea vs Ajax preview, prediction, team news and head-to-head

It is also the 250th top-level European match for the Dutch side, who are seeking their first set of points in the competition this season. 

Chelsea recovered from their humbling opening-day UCL defeat against Bayern Munich, by edging Benfica 1-0 on match day two, spoiling Jose Mourinho’s homecoming party.

It was the start of a three-match winning streak for the Blues, who have also beaten Liverpool 2-1 and Nottingham Forest 3-0 in the Premier League.

Ajax, on the other hand, lost at home to Inter Milan in their opening UCL game, before receiving a 4-0 thrashing from Marseille on match day two. 

Things have not been smooth for the Dutch side since that mauling, first needing a stoppage-time equaliser in a 3-3 draw at Sparta Rotterdam, before a 2-0 humbling at home by AZ Alkmaar last Saturday.

This will be the third meeting between these sides, and Ajax have never been able to secure a win against the Blues, who have won one and drawn the other.

Chelsea have a stellar European home record, first losing just two of their last 60 top-level European matches, while they have avoided defeat in their last 15 UCL group stage/league-phase games.

Chelsea head into this clash with a host of injuries, a long list that includes Cole Palmer (groin), Levi Colwill (ACL), Benoit Badiashile (muscle), Dario Essugo (thigh), Liam Delap (hamstring), and Mykhaylo Mudryk (doping ban).

Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez is doubtful due to his knee problem, while Moises Ciacedo was only fit one half against Forest.

Ajax will head into this clash without left-back Owen Wijndal, who is dealing with a muscular problem, while Branco van den Boomen is dealing with a back injury, and Kasper Dolberg also sidelined.

Chelsea: Sanchez; James, Adarabioyo, Fofana, Cucurella; Gusto, Caicedo; Estevao, Buonanotte, Neto; Pedro

Ajax: Jaros; Gaaei, Sutalo, Baas, Rosa; Klaassen, Taylor; Edvardsen, Gloukh, Godts; Weghorst

Ajax are currently way below Chelsea’s level, despite the Blues not currently being at their most-fluent best. The English side still have the difference makers, and are better structured to exploit an Ajax team with little experience at this level and a combination of tired legs.

Correct score prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Ajax

The 3-1 correct score outcome is currently nine odds on LiveScore Bet.

Betting tips:

• Bet on Chelsea to score over 1.5 goals

• First half over 0.5 goals

• Bet on Chelsea to score in both halves