Frank Lampard’s men have landed in Amsterdam ahead of their third Champions League fixture of the campaign, and tonight’s game is their biggest test yet.
Chelsea need a win to solidify their chances of reaching the knockout stages and with Ajax already picking up six points, the pressure is on Chelsea and whether or not they can deliver.
Coming off the back of five consecutive victories, Chelsea should be favourites to pick up a victory, but with a strong Ajax side who will not go down without a fight, it is Chelsea who head into the game as the underdogs.
With Ajax offloading their two best players from their successful campaign last season, the Eredivisie giants are not to be overlooked. Chelsea must be prepared for sharp, speedy runs from David Neres, those of which the Brazilian performed so well in last season’s campaign, along with prolific finishing from Dusan Tadic, and versatile dribbling from Hakim Ziyech.
Erik ten Hag also has Dutchman Donny van de Beek at his disposal if the game requires a new source of life.
The West London youngsters have a tough challenge to face, but if there is anyone capable of making the impossible possible, it’s Frank Lampard and his Chelsea men. Lampard has multiple important decisions to make ahead of tonight’s game, from formations to starting players, and there is no time for experiments this evening, he must get it right.
If Lampard chooses a classic 4-3-3 formation, which is the most likely candidate, it is clear who will secure certain positions in the side. Kepa Arrizabalaga is a definite, along with recently announced vice captain Jorginho. Tammy Abraham is also most likely to start, as his eye in front of goal has been second to none this season.
Aside from the definites, there is speculation on who Lampard will choose to accompany the regulars for this must-win fixture. Christian Pulisic hasn’t been able to show off his full potential thus far, however, the American changed the game against Newcastle with his hawk-like vision, so he may have earned a start in Amsterdam.
The big decision however, is whether Lampard will play Pulisic in a free midfield role, or on one of the wings. If he goes with the latter, this only leaves one space on the opposite wing, and with Willian and Callum Hudson-Odoi both in spectacular form, the decision is not an easy one to make.
Mateo Kovacic also brought a spark to the game at the weekend, creating multiple chances in which Chelsea nearly broke the deadlock before Tammy Abraham’s point-blank attempt was blocked. With the shine that the Croatian delivered to Stamford Bridge at the weekend, he may see himself land a start against Ajax as he aims to secure his fifth consecutive European trophy.
For the home side, who are unbeaten in all competitive matches this season, another win is on the cards as their young side has experience at this level, getting as far as the semi-finals last season, whereas Chelsea are still developing.
Ajax have set up with a 4-2-3-1 formation for both previous Champions League games this season, winning both comfortably. In the league, their preferred formation is a 4-3-3 which Chelsea are likely to match should ten Hag make the decision to start the game with an attacking presence.
27-year-old Quincy Promes is a player in good form, as the Dutchman has netted eight times this season, as well as securing two assists. The skillful forward can change a game in an instant with his flair, and his experience is also a factor that proves to support Ajax in this fixture.
There is no doubt, there is plenty of fire in this fixture, as both sides have a point to prove. Chelsea need a win to breathe some form of hope on their knockout stage chances, and Ajax will aim to conquer the West London faithful in a game that is a must-watch for any football fan.
