Date of Tips: 17/10/2025
Disclaimer The odds for these selections were correct at the time of publishing (11:54 17/10/2025) but may have changed since. Please check the latest price before placing your bet.
Chelsea FC
v AFC Ajax 
Stamford Bridge
UEFA Champions League LEAGUE_STAGE 
22-10-2025 19:00
Chelsea Form
Ajax Form
Date: 22/10/2025
Kick-off time: 20:00 BST
Venue: Stamford Bridge
The Champions League rolls back into west London, and Chelsea are right in the thick of it. Ajax are the visitors this time — and let’s be honest, both teams could really use a boost. Chelsea need momentum after a stop-start season, while Ajax are still waiting for their first point in Europe.
So, who’s going to step up under the lights at the Bridge? Let’s find out.
Chelsea’s injury list is a bit of a nightmare right now. Cole Palmer is still struggling with a groin issue, and that’s a huge miss considering how creative he’s been. Levi Colwill and Liam Delap remain sidelined, while Benoit Badiashile and Romeo Lavia are still not fully fit. João Pedro is suspended, which means Maresca will have to get creative up front again.
Good news though — Estêvão looks electric. The Brazilian teenager’s already made waves in the Premier League, and fans can’t stop talking about that late winner against Liverpool. Pedro Neto should also start, adding pace and trickery on the right.
Ajax, meanwhile, travel to London desperate for a result. Their Champions League campaign has been rough — two games, two defeats, six goals conceded, none scored. Ouch. They’ll be hoping Wout Weghorst is fit enough to start after some minor knocks, because they badly need a focal point up front. Kenneth Taylor and Davy Klaassen should both start in midfield, trying to provide some creativity and control.
Chelsea (4-2-3-1):
Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Adarabioyo, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Estevão, Tyrique George; Marc Guiu
Ajax (4-3-3):
Pasveer; Rosa, Sutalo, Baas, Alders; Taylor, McConell, Klaassen; Gloukh, Weghorst, Konadu
Chelsea’s lineup looks stronger overall, even with the injuries. Ajax’s defence? Well, let’s just say they’ll need to be on their best behaviour to stop Chelsea’s movement.
I think Chelsea are finding their feet. That comeback win over Liverpool showed fight, and it finally looked like the players were starting to believe in Maresca’s system. The Blues are dominating possession, moving the ball quicker, and creating proper chances again.
Ajax, on the other hand, look miles off it in Europe. Losing 4–0 at Marseille was bad enough, but it’s the way they collapsed that’ll worry fans. Their defence just can’t cope with pressure, and Chelsea’s front four won’t give them a second to breathe.
Still, Ajax aren’t total pushovers. Domestically, they’re sitting third in the Eredivisie, and they’ve been scoring goals for fun there. The issue is consistency — one week they’re fluent, the next they’re all over the place.
So yeah, if Ajax somehow find their rhythm, they could give Chelsea a few scares. But at Stamford Bridge? That’s a big ask.
Here’s the fun part. You want goals? You’ll probably get them. Chelsea look much more dangerous going forward, but they still leak chances at the back. Ajax have the kind of players who can punish that if given half a chance.
Betting angles worth a look:
If you like your bet builders, try combining Chelsea win + BTTS + Over 2.5 goals — that covers most outcomes the way this game is likely to go.
Chelsea should have too much for Ajax, plain and simple. Expect Maresca’s side to dominate the ball, press high, and carve out plenty of chances. Ajax will try to hit on the break, but their defence looks shaky against pace and movement.
It might take a bit of patience, but once Chelsea get one, more should follow. Ajax could grab a consolation — maybe from a set piece — but the gulf in quality is hard to ignore.
Match Prediction: Chelsea to win. Bet with bet365.
I’m leaning towards a 3-1 Chelsea win. They’ve got the attacking power, home crowd, and motivation to put Ajax away. But given Chelsea’s tendency to switch off, Ajax might find a goal somewhere.
Correct Score Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Ajax. Bet with bet365.
The stats scream goals. Ajax have conceded six in two Champions League games already, and Chelsea love playing on the front foot at home. Over 2.5 feels like a banker, but if you’re chasing value, over 3.5 could be worth a punt.
Over/Under Prediction: Over 3.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.
Here’s a combo that makes a lot of sense:
That’s your Champions League midweek special right there. Action, goals, and maybe another Stamford Bridge thriller.
Bet Builder Tip: Chelsea to Win, BTTS Yes, Estêvão Anytime Scorer. Bet with bet365.
Key Stats
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Visit our football previews & predictions page for more betting tips on upcoming matches.
Chelsea should win comfortably. Their home form and squad depth give them the upper hand.
Our prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Ajax. Expect plenty of action at both ends.
Live coverage will be on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+ at 20:00 BST.
Chelsea are missing Palmer, Colwill, and Delap. Ajax have minor fitness concerns but should be close to full strength.
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