“Blues Aim to Continue Momentum as They Host Struggling Ajax in Champions League”
Chelsea clash with Ajax at a pulsating Stamford Bridge on October 22, 2025! Enzo Maresca’s Blues, riding the wave of a 3-0 Premier League thrashing of Nottingham Forest, aim to electrify their European campaign. Meanwhile, John Heitinga’s Ajax, winless in 11 straight battles against English sides, hunt desperately for their first UCL points after two lackluster defeats.
With Chelsea dominating at home in 2025/26 and Ajax hemorrhaging goals, this showdown promises high stakes and higher drama will the Blues overwhelm, or can the Dutch underdogs conjure a shock?
The Blues battled through a grueling early schedule of London derbies. In the UCL league phase, they hold mid-table (1W-0D-1L), having edged Benfica 1-0 but fallen to Bayern Munich. Trailing Liverpool and Arsenal in the Premier League, Chelsea crave a thunderous win at home to rocket up the European standings.Ajax, under John Heitinga’s bold vision, fight to reclaim Eredivisie supremacy after a chaotic 2024-25 collapse under Francesco Farioli. Banking on youth, they snapped up RB Salzburg’s Oscar Gloukh and Real Valladolid’s Raúl Moro, while losing veterans like Jordan Henderson and Jorrel Hato.
Match Details:
- Fixture: Chelsea v Ajax
- Date: 23/10/25
- Venue: Stamford Bridge
Injury Woes Hit Chelsea’s Defense:
Chelsea’s backline is reeling from a brutal injury crisis, forcing Enzo Maresca to shuffle his tactics. A devastating ACL tear will keep Levi Colwill sidelined until April 2026, while Benoit Badiashile’s muscle injury will bench him until December. The biggest blow is the loss of Cole Palmer, their creative maestro, who is battling a groin injury that will keep him out until late November, leaving Chelsea starved of flair.
Meanwhile defensive midfielder Dario Essugo is recovering from thigh surgery and eyeing a late December return, and striker Liam Delap is nursing a hamstring strain that will keep him out until mid-November. Enzo Fernández is racing to recover from knee inflammation caused by international duty. They will also be without Joao Pedro as he’s suspended following a red card against Benfica.
Injury Update Regarding the Ajax team :
Several players are dealing with injuries. Branco van den Boomen continues his recovery from back surgery performed in May 2025. Owen Wijndal is nursing a muscle knock and is doubtful for the upcoming match. Additionally, Mika Godts is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Kasper Dolberg is dealing with an abdominal issue and is listed as doubtful for the match.
Tactical Preview: Chess Match at the Bridge:
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea will employ a meticulous 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on control and fluidity. They will press high to suffocate opponents, with Moisés Caicedo and Romeo Lavia forming a relentless double pivot that dominates midfields. Without Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto and Estevão Willian will stretch Ajax’s backline with pace and trickery, while Marc Guiu exploits gaps as the lone striker.
If Reece James starts, he will bomb forward from right-back, overlapping to deliver cutbacks, while Marc Cucurella inverts to add midfield steel. Chelsea’s game plan is to dominate possession, exploit Ajax’s shaky high line, and capitalize on set pieces, where Chelsea’s set piece prowess shines.
Ajax’s Counterattacking Threat:
Ajax, likely deploying a 4-3-3 formation, will lean on youth and counterattacking verve to punish Chelsea. Heitinga’s side will focus on quick transitions, with Oscar Gloukh controlling the tempo in midfield. Jorthy Mokio and Raúl Moro will stretch Chelsea’s defense with their pace on the wings, while Wout Weghorst anchors the attack, holding up play to bring Kenneth Taylor’s late runs into the box. If Chelsea overcommit, Ajax’s counters could prove devastating.
Probable Lineups:
- Chelsea predicted starting XI: (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Adarabioyo, Fofana, Cucurella; Caicedo, Lavia; Estevao, Buonanotte, Neto; Guiu.
- Ajax predicted starting XI: (4-2-3-1): Jaros; Gaaei, Sutalo, Baas, Rosa; Klaassen, Taylor; Edvardsen, Gloukh, Godts; Weghorst
Chelsea’s X-Factors:
- Estêvão’s Attacking Threat: Estêvão’s speed, dribbling, and unpredictability on the right flank will be crucial to unlocking Ajax’s defense.
- Moisés Caicedo’s Midfield Dominance: Caicedo’s ability to break up play and shield the defense will be vital in neutralizing Ajax’s attacking transitions.
Ajax’s X-Factors:
- Wout Weghorst’s Physical Presence: Weghorst’s ability to hold up the ball and create space for teammates can unsettle Chelsea’s defense.
- Oscar Gloukh’s Creativity: Gloukh’s creativity in transition will be vital for Ajax’s chances of scoring and getting a result.
“The stage is set! 🔥⚽️ Chelsea hosts Ajax in a thrilling UEFA Champions League showdown! 🏆 Who will claim victory? The Blues or the Ajax squad? ⚔️ Get ready for kickoff!”
