SM
Everton vs. Liverpool: 6 hrs 40 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
A
Champions League | Group Stage
Oct 23, 2019 at 5.55pm UK
 
CL

0-1

 
FT(HT: 0-0)
Batshuayi (86')

How Chelsea could line up against Ajax

:Headline: How Chelsea could line up against Ajax: ID:375753: from db_amp
Sports Mole looks at how Chelsea could line up for Wednesday's Champions League group stage clash with Ajax at the Johan Cruijff Arena.

Chelsea's narrow 1-0 win over Newcastle United was the continuation of a good run of form for the Blues after a shaky start to the season.

Frank Lampard's side have now won their last five across all competitions, having won just twice this season before that.

They face an Ajax side who are have yet to lose a competitive match this term, however, and the reigning Eredivisie champions won both of their opening Champions League group stage games by comfortable 3-0 scorelines.

The Blues, on the other hand, were beaten 1-0 by Valencia in their first European tie of the campaign, before beating Lille 2-1 in a tight game in France.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how Chelsea could line up for Wednesday's showdown.


Out: Andreas Christensen (hamstring), Antonio Rudiger (groin), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (achilles), Marco van Ginkel (knee), Ross Barkley (ankle)
Doubtful: N'Golo Kante (groin), Emerson Palmieri (thigh), Cesar Azpilicueta (knock)

> Click here for Liverpool's full injury and suspension list ahead of this match

Kepa Arrizabalaga has featured in every Premier League and Champions League game for the Blues so far this season and this is unlikely to change against Ajax. Injuries will likely force Lampard's hand when choosing his back four, however.

With Rudiger and Christensen out, the central defensive pairing of Kurt Zouma and Fikayo Tomori will continue, with the latter particularly impressing thus far. At left-back, Marcos Alonso's winning goal against Newcastle is likely to be enough to see him keep his place even if Emerson overcomes his injury problems. On the opposite flank, Azpilicueta's potential absence will be of greater concern to Lampard, but Reece James will be hoping to take his opportunity and impress if the Spaniard's knock keeps him out.

The Blues' injury list extends to midfield as well, with Barkley limping off to join Kante, Loftus-Cheek and Van Ginkel on the injury table. As a result, a trio of Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic and Mason Mount is likely to be deployed in the Netherlands.

Lampard has plenty of options going forward, however, but is likely to stick with the front three of Callum Hudson-Odoi, Tammy Abraham and Willian that has started the last two games, meaning that Michy Batshuayi, Olivier Giroud, Pedro and new signing Christian Pulisic may have to bide their time on the bench.

amp_article__375753 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2019-10-22 16:04:54:
html db last update - 2021-03-03 08:34:31 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html
Read more!
Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal34245582265677
2Liverpool33228375324374
3Manchester CityMan City32227376324473
4Aston Villa34206871502166
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs32186865491660
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle321551269521750
7Manchester UnitedMan Utd32155124748-150
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham34139125463-948
9Chelsea32138116157447
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton321111105250244
11Wolverhampton WanderersWolves33127144653-743
12Fulham34126165054-442
13Bournemouth33119134860-1242
14Crystal Palace3399154256-1436
15Brentford3498175259-735
16Everton33108153448-1430
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3479184260-1826
18Luton TownLuton3467214775-2825
19Burnley3458213769-3223
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd3337233188-5716
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .