Chelsea v Ajax – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

The Blues have three points from two matches whilst the Dutch giants have lost both matches in this competition so far. The Blues are chasing a fourth straight win here.

Match: Real Madrid v Juventus
When: Wednesday, 22 Oct 2025

Chelsea Form

Chelsea have improved in recent weeks after a difficult start to the season. The Blues lost 3-1 at Bayern Munich and 2-1 at Man Utd with ten men. A 3-1 home loss to Brighton saw three goals leaked after going down to ten men once again.

Three key wins have followed. Chelsea beat Benfica 1-0 at home in the Champions League, and scored in the dying moments to beat Liverpool 2-1 at home in the league. After the FIFA break, they won 3-0 at Nottingham Forest despite allowing 2.35 xG.

Chelsea Team News

The Blues are set to have Wesley Fofana and Enzo Fernandez available for this match. Joao Pedro is suspended up front, and both Liam Delap and Cole Palmer are out injured.

Enzo Maresca must decide between youngster Tyrique George and Marc Guiu to lead the line. Estevao is pushing for a start and teenager Josh Acheampong could keep his place.

Chelsea Motivation

Chelsea are regaining their confidence after a slow start. They will see this as a non-negotiable three points after seeing Ajax thrashed on matchday two.

Enzo Maresca’s side will attack and play on the front foot. They will look to dominate this match throughout.

Ajax Form

Ajax are not having the best season so far. They sit fourth in the Eredivisie table and they’re second from bottom in the Champions League standings. They lost 2-0 to Inter Milan on matchday one, before a 2-2 league draw vs PSV and a 2-1 home win over NAC Breda.

They have been winless in three matches since then, taking their current run to one win in six fixtures under coach John Heitinga. A 4-0 thrashing away at Marseille was followed by two poor league results. They needed a 97^th minute equaliser to draw 3-3 at Sparta Rotterdam before a 2-0 home loss to AZ Alkmaar on Saturday as they allowed 2.24 xG.

Ajax Team News

Left back Owen Wijndal is set to miss this match. Experienced midfielder Branco van den Boomen should shake off a knock to feature.

Danish forward Kasper Dolberg has missed the last four matches with a shoulder problem. Wout Weghorst could lead the line in this one.

Ajax Motivation

Ajax would celebrate a draw as almost like a win. In reality, this match could be about damage limitation.

Heitinga won’t play an overly open style, knowing that his side could concede a few goals. However, he will stay true to Ajax’s principles.

Key Stats

• Chelsea have won 19 of their last 25 matches
• Chelsea have kept 10 clean sheets in their last 18 matches
• Ajax are winless in 3 matches (2 losses)
• Ajax have lost 9 of their last 11 European matches vs English clubs

Verdict

Even with a makeshift attack, Chelsea should win this match comfortably. Backing them on the -2 handicap looks like a smart move.

Best Bet: Chelsea win (-2 goals handicap)

Alternate Bet: Chelsea win to zero

Anytime Goalscorer Tip: Estevao