Chelsea vs Ajax Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | Champions League

Chelsea vs Ajax Preview

• Competition: UEFA Champions League
• Date: Wednesday, 22 October 2025
• Kick-off Time: 7:00 pm GMT
• Venue: Stamford Bridge, London

Matchday three of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League season will include Chelsea welcoming Dutch side Ajax at the iconic Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening. The London outfit is in 18th place in the table with three points so far. Ajax, on the other hand, is yet to open its account in the points table. The upcoming Chelsea vs Ajax fixture will be a crucial one for both sides, with a defeat bringing daunting prospects for the clubs in Europe.

Chelsea will be content with how the recent matches have played out. In the last six games, the Blues have managed four victories to go with four defeats. Enzo Maresca's men have stitched together a four-match winning run, beginning with a 1-0 victory over Benfica on matchday two. Chelsea is still fancied to finish in the top eight and secure direct qualification to the knockouts. However, the players will need to deal with the pressure of the biggest club competition and deliver on the pitch. Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer, and Pedro Neto are the joint top-scorers this season for Chelsea with five goals each.

Ajax has struggled to obtain any consistency lately. The record Dutch champions have accumulated just a single victory to go along with three defeats and two draws in the last six matches. During this period, Ajax scored seven goals and conceded a staggering 14 goals. Clearly, Johnny Heitinga needs to sort out his side's defensive woes. Two heavy defeats to Inter and Marseille already in the Champions League have hurt Ajax's points tally as well as the goal difference.

Chelsea Team News

Chelsea's top scorer this season, Joao Pedro, will miss the game against Ajax due to a suspension. Cole Palmer will also not be available due to a groin injury. Enzo Fernandez, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Dario Essugo, and Liam Delap will complete the injury list for Chelsea.

Ajax Team News

Ajax will have to travel to London without the key services of Owen Wijndal, Branco van den Boomen, and Kasper Dolberg. The visitors are expected to go in with a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Chelsea vs Ajax Predicted Lineups

Here is a detailed look at the Chelsea vs Ajax Predicted Lineups

Chelsea Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Sanchez

Defenders: James, Fofana, Tosin, Cucurella

Midfielders: Caicedo, Lavia, Buonanotte

Forwards: Estevao, Garnacho, Neto

Ajax Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Jaros

Defenders: Gaaei, Sutalo, Baas, Rosa

Midfielders: Klaassen, Taylor, Gloukh

Forwards: Edvardsen, Godts, Weghorst

Chelsea vs Ajax H2H Record

Overall, in the last five meetings between Chelsea and Ajax, both have won one game each, with one match ending in a draw.

Key Players to Watch in Chelsea vs Ajax

Wout Weghorst (Ajax)

While the creative midfielders in the Ajax setup will create the chances for the visitors, it will be up to Wout Weghorst to finish those and ensure victory for the visitors. Weghorst has earned several plaudits due to his agility, considering his tall stature. The former Manchester United man is a menace from crosses and will look to create chaos in the Chelsea box on Wednesday. He has five goals this term and has won more than 55% of his duels, which outlines his physical strength.

Estevao (Chelsea)

Estevao has been regarded as one of the most talented players to come out of Brazil recently. The left-footed youngster was subject to interest from plenty of clubs, and in the end, it was Chelsea that managed to capture his signature. The 18-year-old has done an impressive job so far, settling at the club and establishing himself as a starter. He has a goal and an assist so far for the Blues, and those statistics will undoubtedly see a rise in the upcoming weeks.

Chelsea vs Ajax Prediction

Undoubtedly, it will be a big contest as far as the qualification scenario is concerned for both clubs. Chelsea, though, will bank on the superior individual and collective quality to collect the three points. Here is a look at the Chelsea vs Ajax Prediction

Predicted Score: Chelsea 3-1 Ajax

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