It’s the toughest UEFA Champions League group stage outing this time around, at least on paper, for Chelsea FC as they head to Ajax in midweek. The dutch side and semifinalist in last year’s competition currently tops group H, with the Chelsea third. The Blues are behind Valencia, by virtue of their loss which is the tie-breaker.
It’s going to be a tough challenge for Frank Lampard’s men, but it will be made even more challenging given how the west London side will be without several key players in this one.
Holding midfielder N’Golo Kanté, a former PFA player of the year, remains a doubt after still not recovering from that groin injury that he suffered with France while on international duty.
Another doubt is midfielder Ross Barkley, who suffered an ankle injury during the win against Newcastle United.
Meanwhile defenders Andreas Christensen (hamstring), Emerson Palmieri (thigh), Antonio Rudiger (groin) and midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek (achilles) are all long term injury absentees.
In turning to the hosts, now that they have Moroccan international Hakim Ziyech back in the mix (overcame a thigh injury), they’ll basically have a fully fit squad for this clash.
Chelsea FC vs Ajax FYIs
Kickoff: Oct. 23, 5:55pm Amsterdam Arena
Chelsea Starting XI Prediction: go to this link
Form Guide: Chelsea WD Ajax WW
Referee: Ovidiu Hategan
Google’s result probability: 32% Chelsea FC win, 27% Draw, 41% Ajax victory
Prediction: Chelsea FC 2, Ajax 0
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, the author of “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry,” regularly appears on WGN CLTV and co-hosts the “Let’s Get Weird, Sports” podcast on SB Nation.
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