Champions League: Chelsea Need Dutch Courage to Face Ajax

Ajax vs Chelsea

Champions League football returns to Amsterdam on Wednesday when Erik ten Hag’s Ajax welcomes Chelsea to the Johann Cruijff Arena.

Chelsea head coach Frank Lampard knows how tough it will be to come away with a result against a side which has burst back onto the European scene over the past 18 months. And now Ajax has the chance to take a vice-like grip on Group H after winning its first two games in convincing style, both by 3-0.

A third win will mean the Dutch masters have one foot in the qualifying round, but equally, Chelsea will hope to progress having hit a decent run of form.

The hosts are at 1.45 to win this group, with Chelsea at 3.50.

Talking Points

Are Ajax good outside bets?

I’d say so.

The outright Champions League 2019/20 betting odds here at SBOBET are offering 45.00 on Ajax right now, or 21.00 to reach the final. Last season’s semi-final appearance was no flash in the pan; and although they have seen the departure of Matthijs de Light and Frenkie de Jong to Juventus and Barcelona, they have started this season in fine form.

Ten Hag has brought in Edson Alvarez from Club America in Mexico, and he has added some serious bite in midfield, while up front Ajax is as prolific as ever, led by Dusan Tadic. The Serbian striker had five seasons in the Premier League with Southampton, but really seems to be at home in the Netherlands and has already scored eight goals this season. Dutch striker Quincy Promes has seven in all competitions, while Moroccan playmaker Hakim Ziyech has six.

Champions League: Ajax will face Chelsea at home — Hakim Ziyech celebrates scoring their first goal against Valencia in the Champions League

Ajax already look set fair for an assault on another Eredivisie title, topping the table and scoring 29 goals, while keeping clean sheets in their last three domestic games.

Full back Nicolas Tagliafico is a key man in Ten Hag’s defence and has attracted interest from some of Europe’s top clubs, including Real Madrid and Barcelona but the Argentina international says he is happy where he is.

Frank’s finding his feet

The Blues made an agonizing start to the Champions League, losing a home tie to Valencia. Ross Barkley missed a penalty with just three minutes remaining to pass up the offer of a crucial point.

Lampard’s Premier League debut as head coach ended in disaster too, with a 4-0 defeat to Manchester United, in a game the Blues dominated for long periods. But they have made good recoveries in each competition, winning 1-2 in Lille and moving ahead of Valencia on goal difference.

Chelsea have won four of the last five in the Premier League to move up into fourth place. And Lampard has them playing attractive football, showing faith in his young stars.

Tammy’s coming of age

Striker Tammy Abraham has been a revelation, making an explosive start to the season, and he currently leads the Premier League scoring on eight goals, alongside Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero.

The 22-year-old played on loan for Swansea in the 2017/18 Premier League season, and last term helped Aston Villa to promotion with 25 goals in 37 appearances.

Attacking midfielder Mason Mount made his competitive debut for Chelsea in August and scored his first goal against Leicester City. The 20-year-old has already been capped by England and looks to be a top player in the making. Add into the mix summer signing Christian Pulisic and these are exciting times at the Bridge.

History

The last time these two teams met, Ajax ran out 3-1 winners in a 2010 friendly, and recent form will give them the confidence to make it three from three. They have won eight home games in a row…but, not all the stats are in their favour.

Ajax have won only once at home against London sides, a 2-1 victory over Arsenal back in 1972.

Chelsea are on a four-match winning run away from home and are unbeaten in their last eight away European ties having won the Europa League last season.

And they will draw inspiration from their boss, as Lampard was part of the Chelsea side which won the Champions League in 2012.

Betting Tip

	Ajax vs Chelsea	Draw 1×2 @ 3.45
	October 24, 00:55 (GMT+8)

The Dutch have a near-perfect pair of Champions League 2019 results in the bag already

and are at odds of 2.33 to make it three. Chelsea is at 2.88 to win, but I can see these two attractive teams cancelling each other out.

For a bet on the correct score, 1-1 is the most likely at 6.40 but, in an attack-minded clash, over 2.50 goals is at 1.65, so a 2-2 draw at 11.50 could be worth a look.