Chelsea can take a big step in the Champions League this evening if they can overcome struggling Ajax at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues can move onto six points with victory in west London, as the Dutch side come to England without anything on the board - and not even a goal in Europe this season. Enzo Maresca's side can make it four wins in a row in all competitions with three points tonight, after they picked up a crucial victory at Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
An impressive second-half display at the City Ground proved too much for Forest - and Ange Postecoglou, who was sacked minutes after the full-time whistle - but there are set to be a number of changes at Stamford Bridge this evening. Robert Sanchez is set to continue in goal, with the Spanish goalkeeper starting both of Chelsea's Champions League fixtures thus far.
At right-back, captain Reece James could continue there after another impressive performance against Forest at the weekend. James looks to be back to full fitness and Maresca is slowly starting to trust the defender, who has struggled with injuries in recent years, to play the majority of games no matter the turnaround.
Wesley Fofana was left out of the squad at the weekend but that was not fitness-related. The Frenchman could return to the line-up alongside Tosin Adarabioyo, with Josh Acheampong and Trevoh Chalobah being handed a rest after their efforts in Nottingham.
Marc Cucurella, too, could be rested. Jorrel Hato may well be given a chance at left-back against his former club. Maresca was very complimentary of the Dutchman in his pre-Ajax press conference on Tuesday afternoon: "We are very happy with Jorrel since he arrived.
"He is trying to adapt a little bit to different competitions, English football, but we are very happy with him. The first two, three weeks he struggled a little bit in terms of physicality, in terms of intensity, but he is getting better and better."
Malo Gusto was sent off against Forest on Saturday afternoon, so the Frenchman will be unavailable for the visit of Sunderland in the Premier League at the weekend. Gusto, though, is eligible to play in Europe, so he could once again start in midfield alongside Moises Caicedo. Enzo Fernandez will be assessed but Maresca might choose to be cautious with the Argentine.
Pedro Neto could be used on the right-hand side, with Estevao Willian in the No.10 role as Cole Palmer remains sidelined with a groin injury. Facundo Buonanotte is also an option behind the striker but the Argentine might have to make do with a spot on the bench.
Jamie Gittens could be given a go on the left wing in place of Alejandro Garnacho. In the last three matches against Forest, Benfica and Liverpool, Garnacho has been given the nod but Gittens has been quietly impressive in recent cameos.
Joao Pedro is unavailable due to suspension after he picked up two yellow cards in the win against Benfica last month. Marc Guiu, who impressed when coming on in the victory at Forest, could be handed his first competitive start for the Blues in over 10 months.
Predicted Chelsea line-up: Sanchez; James, Fofana, Tosin, Hato; Gusto, Caicedo; Neto, Estevao, Gittens; Guiu
