Chelsea vs Ajax Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | UEFA Champions League 2025-26

The previous encounter between these clubs ended in a 4-4 draw.

Chelsea are all set to host AFC Ajax for their Round 3 league phase fixture of the UEFA Champions League 2025-26 edition. This is going to be an intense fixture and will take place at Stamford Bridge.

The Enzo Maresca-led side lost their opening UCL game of the ongoing campaign against Bayern Munich. The Blues then made a comeback and secured a 1-0 win against Benfica. The Blues will be at home for their upcoming fixture and they will be keen on using it to their advantage.

Ajax Amsterdam are off to a poor start in their UEFA Champions League this season. They fell prey to Inter Milan in their opening fixture and were dominated by Marseille in their second Champions League fixture. The Dutch professional football club will be low on confidence as they will be the visiting side.

Kick-off:

• Location: London, England
• Stadium: Stamford Bridge
• Date: Thursday, October 23
• Kick-off Time: 12:30 a.m. IST (Wednesday, Oct 22; 07:00 p.m. GMT/ 03:00 p.m. ET/ 12:00 p.m. PT)
• Referee: Felix Zwayer
• VAR: In use

Form:

Chelsea: W-L-W-W-W

AFC Ajax: D-W-L-D-L

Players to Watch

Pedro Neto (Chelsea)

Pedro Neto will be one of the main men in the attacking front for Chelsea. The Portuguese winger scored one of the goals in a 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest in their Premier League clash. Neto will be ready to lead the attack from the right and is going to be a constant threat to the opponent’s defence.

PEEDDRROOOOO!!! 🇵🇹😍#CFC | #NFOCHE pic.twitter.com/dXkM94vr83

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 18, 2025

Wout Weghorst (Ajax)

The Netherlands international, Wout Weghorst, will be looking to step up his game so that he can help his side stand a chance against Chelsea in the final third. He has come up with some decent performances for AFC Ajax in their last few matches, but he must come up with a special one this time around.

Match Facts

• This will be the third-ever encounter between these clubs.
• Ajax Amsterdam have never been able to secure a win against the Blues.
• The Blues are on a three-match winning run.

Chelsea vs Ajax: Betting Tips and Odds

• Chelsea to win @26/100
• Pedro Neto to score @15/2 Ladbrokes
• Goals under 3.5 @5/6 AK Bets

Injury and Team News

Cole Palmer, Liam Delap, Dario Essugo and Levi Colwill are injured, hence keeping them out of action for the Blues. Joao Pedro is suspended. Enzo Fernandez and Benoit Badiashile might also miss out due to a lack of fitness.

AFC Ajax will miss out on the services of Owen Wijndal as he is injured. Kasper Dolberg and Branco van den Boomen might also miss out due to their fitness issues.

Head-to-Head

Total matches: 2

Chelsea won: 1

Ajax won: 0

Draws: 1

Predicted Lineups

Chelsea predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Sánchez (GK); James, Acheampong, Chalobah, Cucurella; Gusto, Lavia; Neto, Santos, Garnacho; Guiu

Ajax predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Jaros (GK); Gaaei, Sutalo, Baas, Rosa; Mokio, Taylor; Edvardsen, Gloukh, Godts; Weghorst

Match Prediction

This is going to be an interesting fixture between the two clubs, but Chelsea are likely to come out on top and secure a win against AFC Ajax in their upcoming UEFA Champions League clash.

Prediction: Chelsea 3-0 Ajax

Telecast Details

India: SonyLIV, Sony Sports Network

UK: TNT Sports, Amazon Prime, BBC

US: Paramount+, TUDN

Nigeria: DAZN

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