Group H leaders, Chelsea and Ajax meet once again as last season’s semi-finalists visit Stamford Bridge in a crucial clash as both teams look to qualify for the Champions League knockouts.
Victory for either team coupled with a draw between Valencia and Lille will all but mathematically see them through to the Last 16, whereas a draw plus Valencia win will blow the group wide open.
Team news
Embed from Getty ImagesN’Golo Kante could make his return for Chelsea after missing their last five games with a groin injury.
Andreas Christiansen (thigh) could also feature but Ross Barkley is set to remain out until Saturday with an ankle injury.
Antonio Rudiger (groin), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Achilles) and Marco van Ginkel (knee) all remain sidelined.
Ajax have no injury concerns with a full squad available for selection.
Stat Attack
- Chelsea won their only previous meeting with Ajax, which came a fortnight ago through a late winner from Michy Batshuayi.
- Ajax are unbeaten in their last three European trips to England with victories over Tottenham and Manchester United in May 2019 and February 2012 respectively, either side of a 2-2 draw at Manchester City in November 2012.
- Chelsea have won all three previous Champions League meetings with Dutch opposition, beating Feyenoord in 1999-2000 season before then defeating Ajax two weeks ago.
Prediction
If their last meeting two weeks ago is anything to go by then we are in for a tough scrappy match between two disciplined yet attacking teams.
Chelsea however have scored in all their home games this season except their Champions League opener against Valencia in mid September, so we should definitely see goals if also factor in Ajax’s good record on English soil.
I am going to go for a score draw because both teams will defend well whilst trying to get the upper hand in the attacking department, which is going to be key throughout the match.
Prediction: Chelsea 1-1 Ajax
Result: Chelsea 4-4 Ajax