Chelsea will look to carry their domestic form to the Champions League tonight when they host Ajax, a side looking to avenge a 1-0 home defeat they suffered in the hands of the Blues. Both of these teams are looking to finish top of Group H and whoever wins tonight will have a great chance. Here’s the Big Game Focus. Bet on the game here.
Chelsea extended their terrific domestic form over the weekend with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Watford, bouncing back from a 2-1 home defeat by Manchester United. The Blues’ Champions League campaign started with a humiliating 1-0 home loss to Valencia but they have responded with two straight away wins, putting them back on track with a chance to go top with a win tonight. Can they register their first home win in Europe this season?
Ajax are a much different side compared to the one that experienced a run to the Champions League semi-finals last year. Still, they’ve made an impressive start domestically and they’re matching the Blues so far in this group. They kicked things off with back-to-back 3-0 wins in the competition but suffered a setback at home against Chelsea. Therefore, they’ll be looking for revenge tonight at Stamford Bridge. Can they get another famous away win in Europe?
Betting preview
The Blues won 1-0 away from home the last time these two met. Chelsea have won just once in their last six home games in the Champions League. They lost 1-0 in their only home match in the competition to Valencia. Frank Lampard has three wins in eight home games as Chelsea boss. Meanwhile, Ajax earned a point at Bayern and won at Real Madrid, Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur last season. Overall, the Dutch giants are unbeaten in 13 away trips going into this meeting. For that reason, you can back an Away Double Chance at odds of 2.05.
Three of Chelsea’s last five games in all competitions have seen three or more goals scored. Four of Ajax’s last seven games in this competition have seen Over 2.5 Goals. The visitors have also scored three goals in two of their last three Champions League encounters. Therefore, you can back Over 2.5 Goals at odds of 1.50.
Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham has scored ten goals in 16 appearances this season in all competitions, including one in three Champions League appearances. You can back Tammy Abraham as Anytime Goalscorer at odds of 1.98.
Team news
Lampard will be without long-term absentee Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Ross Barkley, N’Golo Kante, Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen are doubtful for this clash.
Ajax have no injury concerns apart from Edson Alvarez who is doubtful.
Possible line-ups
Chelsea: Kepa, Azpilicueta, Zouma, Tomori, Emerson, Kovacic, Jorginho, Mount, Willian, Abraham, Pulisic
Ajax: Onana, Dest, Veltman, Blind, Tagliafico, van de Beek, Marin, Ziyech, Promes, Neres, Tadic