Champions League: Ajax vs. Chelsea preview, predictions, team news, group H standings, TV and live stream details
Two in-form teams meet at the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam
Ajax vs. Chelsea
- What: Uefa Champions League group H, matchday three
- When: Wednesday 23 October
- Where: Johan Cruijff ArenA, Amsterdam
- Kick-off time: 5.55pm (BST)
- TV and live stream: BT Sport 3 and sport.bt.com
Frank Lampard takes his Chelsea team to Amsterdam on Wednesday for a vital group H clash against last season’s Champions League semi-finalists Ajax.
The Dutch club may have lost defender Matthijs de Ligt and midfielder Frenkie de Jong, to Juventus and Barcelona respectively, but they still have a very talented squad.
Unbeaten this season in the Eredivisie, Ajax are top of the Dutch league with eight wins and two draws from their ten matches. In Europe Erik ten Hag’s side have kicked off their group H campaign with two wins from two.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Like Ajax, Chelsea are also in fine form having won their past five matches in all competitions.
Chelsea boss Lampard respects the threat that Ajax offer but is confident that his own team can cause problems for the Dutch.
“We have confidence in ourselves, but it’s a tough match,” said Lampard. “I watched them play last year and I know their team has changed slightly.
“I’m very aware of the new threats they have. They’ve won their two Champions League games convincingly.”
TV and live stream details
The group H clash will be live on BT Sport 3. Coverage starts at 5.15pm and the match kicks off at 5.55pm (BST). The broadcaster will also show a live stream of the game at sport.bt.com.
Lille host Valencia in the other group H fixture (8pm, live on BT Sport Extra 4).
Team news and possible starting XIs
Ajax team news
Except for the fitness concerns of Hassane Bandé, Ajax do not have any other injury or suspension worries for Wednesday’s clash at the Johan Cruijff ArenA.
Chelsea team news
Blues boss Frank Lampard will be without a number of players for the trip to Amsterdam.
Midfielders Ruben Loftus-Cheek, N’Golo Kante and Ross Barkley are out while defenders Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger will also miss the clash.
Chelsea have taken a 19-man squad to Holland. Left-back Emerson Palmieri is included, as is winger Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Lampard confirmed that Hudson-Odoi could be ready to make his first Champions League start.
“I think he is,” said Lampard. “So are some other players and there comes my problem but it’s a competitive squad.”
How the teams could line up according to Uefa.com
- Ajax possible starting XI: Onana; Dest, Veltman, Blind, Tagliafico; Martínez, Van de Beek, Álvarez; Ziyech, Tadić, Promes
- Out: Bandé (fitness)
- Chelsea possible starting XI: Kepa; Azpilicueta, Zouma, Tomori; James, Kovačić, Jorginho, Alonso; Willian, Abraham, Mount
- Out: Rüdiger (knee), Loftus-Cheek (achilles), Kanté (groin), Barkley (ankle), Christensen (hamstring)
Pundit predictions
Chris Smith, Squawka: Ajax 1 Chelsea 1
“This is an extremely mouth-watering clash between two teams that are in red-hot form and cannot afford to slip up in this tight Champions League group. Defeat would be especially damaging to Chelsea, so expect Lampard’s team to bunker in and play on the break, although a point might not be a terrible result on the road.”
Sean Wilson, SportsMole: Ajax 2 Chelsea 1
“Ajax are unbeaten in all competitions and have brushed aside their first two Champions League opponents, so it’s hard to go against last year’s semi-finalists, particularly at home. Chelsea have struggled a little on the European stage this season and could be undone by a well-oiled outfit on this occasion.”
Joe Rutter, The Stats Zone
“Ajax have not conceded in their last four European games but that run may well end against an improving Chelsea side who have only failed to score in one of their last 12 games in all competitions. Both teams are characterised by youth and flair, which should make for an open contest.”
Kevin Palmer, Irish Independent
“One of the most attractive Champions League fixtures of the week sees last season’s semi-finalists take on Frank Lampard’s Chelsea in Amsterdam, with Ajax continuing to defy their doubters with impressive performances at the start of this season. Despite the departures of star men Matthijs de Ligt, Frenkie de Jong and Kasper Dolberg last summer, Ajax are still proving themselves to be a force at home and in the Champions League, with their convincing wins against Lille and Valencia putting Erik ten Hag’s side in pole position in group H ahead of back-to-back games against Chelsea. Verdict: A score draw in an entertaining encounter.”
Charlie Nicholas, Sky Sports: Ajax 2 Chelsea 2
“People are quite rightly complimenting Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount and Callum Hudson-Odoi. At this age, they will go through a quiet spell, but does Frank Lampard keep them in during this or take them out for the Champions League? Ajax will look to have a lot of possession whereas Chelsea normally get that. They are a good counter-attack team but Ajax will cause them problems.”
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
What the chancellor's pension megafund plans mean for your money
Rachel Reeves wants pension schemes to merge and back UK infrastructure – but is it putting your money at risk?
By Marc Shoffman, The Week UK Published
-
Why Māori are protesting in New Zealand
A controversial bill has ignited a 'flashpoint in race relations' as opponents claim it will undermine the rights of Indigenous people
By Richard Windsor, The Week UK Published
-
Crossword: November 21, 2024
The Week's daily crossword
By The Week Staff Published
-
Thomas Tuchel to become next England football manager
Speed Read 'Divisive' German coach hopes to lead the men's team to victory
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
The 'Swiss model' shaking up the Champions League
In The Spotlight Uefa says the new format offers 'greater excitement' but critics say boredom is guaranteed
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
The European Super League: a 90th-minute reprieve?
Why everyone's talking about A European court ruling has potentially breathed new life into the breakaway football league
By Richard Windsor, The Week UK Published
-
‘Genuine visionary’: is Pep Guardiola the greatest of all time?
feature Spaniard has now won two trebles following Man City’s Champions League triumph
By The Week Staff Published
-
Champions League final: Man City vs. Inter predictions and preview
feature Can Guardiola’s team finally win the Champions League and complete a historic treble?
By Mike Starling Last updated
-
Premier League all-star game: ‘incredibly arrogant’ or natural ‘evolution’?
Talking Point Managers and pundits dismiss US-inspired idea from Chelsea co-owner
By Chas Newkey-Burden Published
-
Uefa Champions League 2022-2023 guide: group stage draw and key dates
feature Liverpool face Rangers while Man City’s Erling Haaland has a reunion with Dortmund
By Mike Starling Published
-
Raheem Sterling: Chelsea move ‘makes sense for all’
Why Everyone’s Talking About England star set for return to west London from Manchester City
By Mike Starling Published