Champions League 2025-2026: Chelsea-Ajax, the likely lineups

Wednesday at 9 p.m. at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea hosts Ajax in the third day of the Champions League. The narrow victory with Benfica restored confidence for the Blues, now mid-table in the group and intent on respecting the odds in front of their home crowd. Quite a different situation for the Dutch, who, after a knockout with Inter Milan in the opener, suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat by Olympique Marseille.

Maresca will still have to deal with the absence of Cole Palmer, out with a groin injury. In his place is ready Buonanotte, ahead in the duel with Estevão, while Pedro Neto and Garnacho will complete the line of trequartisti behind Guiu’s only forward, who replaces the disqualified Joao Pedro.

In Ajax, a ballot between Berghuis and Weghorst for the role of center forward, with the latter favored. More certainty, on the other hand, on the three-quarter where Edvardsen, Gloukh and Godts are expected to act in front of the’former Inter Milan player Klaassen and Taylor, who will form the midfield dike.

Probable lineups

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; James, Fofana, Adarabioyo, Cucurella; Caicedo, Lavia; Pedro Neto, Buonanotte, Garnacho; George. All. Maresca

Ajax (4-2-3-1): Jaros; Gaaei, Šutalo, Baas, Rosa; Klaassen, Taylor; Edvardsen, Gloukh, Godts; Weghorst. All. Heitinga