Chelsea will take on Ajax on Wednesday, 22 October, in a big Champions League match at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues are currently on three points after two matches played, after losing to Bayern Munich and beating Benfica, but a win here would leave them in a strong position with five league phase matches to play.
Ajax, on the other hand, are enduring a torrid time in the competition. The Dutch giants have lost both of their matches and are yet to score a goal.
As part of this week's round of Champions League betting tips, check out our Chelsea vs Ajax prediction below.
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Chelsea vs Ajax prediction: The hosts to run riot
Key Stats
- Two of Chelsea's last three wins have been to nil.
- Ajax have won just one of their last six matches in all competitions.
- Pedro Neto is a streaky player, and he found the back of the net at the weekend against Nottingham Forest.
Correct score prediction: Chelsea 3-0 Ajax
This isn't close to being the same Ajax team that enjoyed great success in Europe 5-10 years ago, and they come to Stamford Bridge badly lacking confidence.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Chelsea start as big favourites
- HOME: 1/4 (1.25) – 80%
- DRAW: 11/2 (6.50) – 15.4%
- AWAY: 17/2 (9.50) – 10.5%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Chelsea vs Ajax odds are about as lopsided as you are going to get for a Champions League tie. Ladbrokes have given Chelsea an 80% chance of winning the match, while Ajax have been given just a 10.5% chance of recording a famous victory in London.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: A first meeting in six years
It has been six years since Chelsea and Ajax last played each other, and if we get anything like the most recent encounter, then we are in for a treat on Wednesday. On that night, the two teams played out a thrilling 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge as part of the group stages of the Champions League.
Chelsea preview: Can they keep 11 men on the field?
Chelsea have had a man sent off in four of their last six matches, and although it didn't cost them at the weekend, it's a problem that Enzo Maresca needs to resolve. Malo Gusto, the man who saw red at the weekend, should play here as he will have the weekend off, but Chelsea remain six players due to injury, including Cole Palmer and Liam Delap. Joao Pedro also misses out after being red-carded against Benfica.
Predicted lineup: Sanchez (GK), Gusto, Adarabioyo, Fofana, Cucurella, James, Caicedo, Garnacho, Estevao, Neto, George
Last five results
- Nottingham Forest 0-3 Chelsea
- Chelsea 2-1 Liverpool
- Chelsea 1-0 Benfica
- Chelsea 1-3 Brighton
- Lincoln 1-2 Chelsea
Ajax preview: Big players are missing
Ajax will travel to London without Kasper Dolberg and Branco van den Boomen, which leaves big holes at the top and middle of the pitch. The absence of Dolberg could mean PL cult hero Wout Weghorst gets a chance to start up front, and Chelsea will have to be wary of his phsyical prowess.
Predicted lineup: Jaros (GK), Gaaei, Sutalo, Baas, Rosa, Taylor, Klaassen, Edvardsen, Gloukh, Godts, Weghorst
Last five results
- Ajax 0-2 AZ Alkmaar
- Sparta Rotterdam 3-3 Ajax
- Marseille 4-0 Ajax
- Ajax 2-1 NAC Breda
- PSV 2-2 Ajax
Player to watch: Tyrique George
With Joao Pedro suspended and Liam Delap injured, this is a rare opportunity for Tryique George to start as Chelsea's main striker. Considering Pedro has now gone nine matches without a goal for club and country, it could be a chance for him to stake a claim for more regular football at Stamford Bridge.