Chelsea vs Ajax

The UEFA Champions League group stage match between Chelsea and Ajax will be played on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at Stamford Bridge in London. Kick-off is set for 20:00 BST, and the game is expected to attract a full house as Chelsea look to continue their strong European form. Both teams come into this fixture needing points to solidify their positions in the group. Stamford Bridge is set for a lively evening, with Chelsea supporters eager to see their side maintain momentum under Enzo Maresca’s management.

Chelsea will be without several key players due to injuries and suspension. Joao Pedro is ruled out through suspension, while Cole Palmer remains sidelined with a groin issue. Benoît Badiashile and Levi Colwill are unavailable with muscle and knee injuries respectively, and Dário Essugo is still recovering from a thigh problem. Enzo Fernández remains a doubt due to a minor knee concern and will undergo a late fitness test. Ajax, meanwhile, have their own injury problems. Kasper Dolberg is out with a stomach issue, Owen Wijndal remains sidelined with a muscle problem, and Branco van den Boomen is unavailable due to a back injury. Both teams are expected to rely on their substitutes for flexibility, especially in the second half, with Chelsea likely to include young attacking options on the bench.

Enzo Maresca is expected to maintain Chelsea’s usual 4-2-3-1 setup, built around ball control and quick passing transitions. The system will likely see two deep midfielders tasked with dictating tempo and protecting the back line while allowing full-backs to push forward. Chelsea’s width, provided by their wingers, will be central to stretching Ajax’s defense and creating space between the lines. Ajax, under their current coach, are expected to favor a 4-3-3 formation with compact lines and a focus on breaking quickly through the flanks. However, given their recent defensive struggles, the Dutch side may adopt a more conservative approach early on, prioritizing organization and pressing Chelsea’s build-up in midfield.

In the build-up to the match, the press has focused on Chelsea’s resurgence after a difficult start to the season. English outlets point to their recent league victories, including a disciplined performance against Liverpool, as evidence that Maresca’s tactical approach is beginning to take hold. Dutch media, on the other hand, have expressed concern over Ajax’s inconsistent European form, with the team yet to record a win or even score in the group stage. Commentators note that Ajax must improve their defensive coordination and regain confidence in attack if they are to stand a chance at Stamford Bridge. The overall sentiment among journalists is that Chelsea enter as clear favorites, but Ajax’s technical quality means they cannot be underestimated.

Studio analysts have highlighted several tactical points ahead of kickoff. They believe Chelsea’s ability to dominate possession and control the tempo will be key, especially with Enzo Fernández’s potential absence affecting their midfield rhythm. For Ajax, analysts emphasize the need for compactness between defense and midfield to limit Chelsea’s space in wide areas. The duel between Chelsea’s wide players and Ajax’s full-backs is expected to be decisive, as is the battle for second balls in midfield. Most pundits agree that the home side’s recent form and depth give them an advantage, though they also warn that complacency could be dangerous against a side with Ajax’s European pedigree. The match is widely expected to be an open, tactical contest decided by pressing intensity and execution in the final third.

Watch and Download Chelsea vs Ajax full match replay and highlights, At Wednesday, October 22, 2025. The match played at Stamford Bridge, in Champions League, UEFA.

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