These two clubs only previous meetings came in the group stages six years ago. Michy Batshuayi was the late match-winner at the Johan Cruijff Arena back then, before the duo played out a thrilling 4-4 draw in West London, in which Ajax went 4-1 up, only to have both Daley Blind and Joël Veltman sent off, before the Blue roared back to earn a draw.
Chelsea vs Ajax preview
Can Chelsea make it back-to-back Champions League victories? Last time out in this competition, the Blues battled to a 1-0 victory over Benfica; an early own goal the difference. In truth, the game will not live long in the memory, with José Mourinho's return to Stamford Bridge very much the main event, something he would have hated of course. Nevertheless, this was a crucial three points for Enzo Maresca's team, considering they lost their league phase opener 3-1 against Bayern Munich.
After this, the Blues will also face Barcelona and Pafos in West London, while traveling to Qarabağ, Atalanta and Napoli, making matches such as this must win if they're going to finish in the top eight.
In the Premier League meantime, having been three games without a win, Chelsea have enjoyed back-to-back victories, moving up to fifth. Prior to the international break, Estêvão Willian's stoppage time goal saw them dramatically beat Liverpool 2-1 at home. Then, on Saturday lunchtime, the Blues demolished beleaguered Nottingham Forest 3-0; Josh Acheampong, Pedro Neto and Reece James on target during the second half at the City Ground. Now, can Chelsea continue their winning streak?
As for Ajax, things are not going particularly well. Last season, with five Eredivisie games to go, they were a humungous nine points clear at the top, but contrived to win just one of those five, so were piped to the title by fierce rivals PSV Eindhoven on the final day. This historic collapse saw Francesco Farioli sacked, but his successor John Heitinga isn't enjoying life in Amsterdam much more.
Following Saturday's 2-0 defeat to AZ Alkmaar, they have fallen to fourth in the table, drawing all four Eredivisie away games to date. Meantime, in the Champions League, Ajax are the only side with zero points and zero goals scored to their name. The Dutch giants were beaten 2-0 by Inter at Johan Cruijff Arena on opening night, before being demolished 4-0 by Olympique Marseille at Stade Vélodrome two weeks later. Thus, even at this early stage, Ajax are up against it to reach the knockout phase, hence why a home win at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday is by far the most-likely outcome.
Chelsea vs Ajax head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 2.
- Chelsea Wins: 1. Draws: 1. Ajax Wins: Zero.
Chelsea team news
João Pedro's late red card against Benfica means he is suspended, while talisman Cole Palmer as well as Levi Colwill, Benoît Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, Enzo Fernández, Dário Essugo and Liam Delap are all injured.
Enzo Maresca will be pleased to be back in touchline, having been forced to watch from the City Ground stand on Saturday. He made a triple substitute at half time against Nottingham Forest, Tosin Adarabioyo, Moisés Caicedo and Marc Guiu all introduced, so will either of the former duo come in here? The Spanish striker is not in the UEFA squad, leaving them without a recognised centre-forward, hence why Tyrique George is set to fill-in up top.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Ajax: (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; James, Adarabioyo, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Lavia, Neto, Estêvão, Garnacho; George.
Chelsea player to watch vs Ajax
Estêvão Willian scored the winner against Liverpool during Chelsea's last home game so, in the absence of Palmer, can the Brazilian teenager come to the fore and star in this one?
Ajax team news
John Heitinga, who was Arne Slot's assistant at Liverpool last season, travels to West London without forwards Steven Berghuis and Kasper Dolberg, so Wout Weghorst will be leading the Ajax attack.
Elsewhere, Liverpool loanee Vítězslav Jaroš will maintain his record of having started every match so far this season in goal. Meanwhile, Kenneth Taylor will captain the side from the base of midfield, chosen over Davy Klaassen.
Ajax predicted lineup vs Chelsea: (4-5-1): Jaroš; Gaaei, Baas, Šutalo, Lucas Rosa; Mokio, Taylor, Godts, Raúl Moro, Gloukh; Weghorst.
Ajax player to watch vs Chelsea
Oscar Gloukh joined Ajax from RB Salzburg for €17.25 million in the summer, scoring in three successive Eredivisie matches prior to last weekend, and he'll be among the most-likely scorers in West London too.
Chelsea vs Ajax prediction
As already outlined, this is far from a vintage Ajax side, so we cannot see any other outcome than a comfortable Chelsea victory at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday: Chelsea 2-0 Ajax.
Chelsea vs Ajax FAQs - UEFA Champions League
How to watch Chelsea vs Ajax in the Champions League on TV channel?
Chelsea vs Ajax in the Champions League will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: TNT Sports 2 & Ultimate.
- USA: Paramount+
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Chelsea vs Ajax in the Champions League on live streaming?
Chelsea vs Ajax in the Champions League will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Discovery+
- USA: Paramount+
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Chelsea vs Ajax in the Champions League?
Chelsea vs Ajax takes place on Wednesday 22 October 2025, with kick off at 20:00 (BST), 15:00 (EDT) & 12:00 (PDT).