Ajax hosts Chelsea in a Group H clash in Amsterdam as they fight for the top spot. Ajax have maximum points after two games while Chelsea bounced back after losing their first game to Valencia by winning against Lille. Here’s the Big Game Focus with some betting tips. Bet on the game here.
The Dutch giants and last season’s semi-finalists have started strongly this season. They have beaten both Lille and Valencia 3-0 in the Group H and are yet to lose a competitive match this season. They find themselves top of both the Eredivisie table and Champions League Group H. Tonight’s clash presents a good opportunity to solidify their home form and top spot in their group.
Chelsea lost their first game to Valencia at Stamford Bridge but have bounced back nicely securing a narrow 2-1 win over Lille. Still, the Blues’ young side are yet to convince that they can go toe to toe with a battle-hardened side like Ajax. Frank Lampard’s side also lacks experience which is always valuable in this competition. However, they have a talented team that has demonstrated it can compete.
Betting preview
Both teams have both won their last five matches in all competitions. Ajax have not tasted defeat this season. In their 18 matches this season, they have won a staggering 13. Meanwhile, Chelsea have won one of their last five matches in the Champions League. These two have met once with the hosts claiming a 3-1 win. Therefore, you can back a Home Win at odds of 2.35.
Both teams have scored in Chelsea’s last five away matches. Moreover, Chelsea have not kept a clean sheet in their last five games in the Champions League. Both teams scored in Ajax last match. The hosts have kept just two clean sheets in their last seven matches in the competition. You can back Both Teams to Score at odds of 1.45.
Ajax’s last two matches in the competition have seen Over 2.5 Goals. Chelsea’s last seven games in the Champions League have seen three or more goals scored. For that reason, you can back Over 2.5 Goals at odds of 1.55.
Team news
Ross Barkley limped out of the 1-0 win over Newcastle on Saturday and he joins N’Golo Kante on the sidelines after the Frenchman was injured while on international duty.
Ajax have no new injury concerns following the 2-1 win at RKC Waalwijk on Saturday in the Eredivisie, but Erik ten Hag may sacrifice Klaas-Jan Huntelaar in favour of a more fluid attacking trio.
Possible line-ups
Ajax: Onana, Dest, Blind, Veltman, Tagliafico, Van de Beek, Martinez, Alvarez, Neres, Tadic, Ziyech.
Chelsea: Kepa, Azpilicueta, Tomori, Zouma, Alonso, Jorginho, Kovacic, Mount, Willian, Hudson-Odoi, Abraham.