Champions League nights are always special, especially after you missed the competition for a few years. Chelsea fans have missed being in Europe's elite competition and will hope to make a deep run in the competition this season, and win it if possible. That being said, some of Enzo Maresca's decisions have not gone down well with the supporters.
Chelsea lost their opening game against Bayern Munich but came back with a narrow win against Benfica. It is safe to say that they have been nowhere near their best at the start of this season and need a statement result.
Unfortunately, Maresca has put out a lineup for the Ajax game that seems more suited to the Conference League than the Champions League. Several key players have been left on the bench.
We have Moises Caicedo playing at right-back, Jorrel Hato at left-back and a centre-back pairing of Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana. Jamie Gittens, who has struggled badly since his summer move, has been handed a start. Marc Guiu is the one leading the line, despite his lack of opportunities since being brought back from loan at Sunderland. And Filip Jorgensen is the one in goal despite his terrible outing against third division Lincoln City the last time he featured.
'Not playing Conference League' - Enzo Maresca slammed by Chelsea fans
So, it looks like Maresca is taking a Champions League game against Ajax as an opportunity to rest some of his important players. Of course, it remains to be seen if the decision pays off or not.
A lot of Chelsea fans do not agree with the boss' thinking though. One wrote: "We are not playing conference league again."
Another said: "Moi is playing RB today, I trust him of course. I hope the coach knows what he's doing."
A third Chelsea fan wrote regarding the lineup put out by Maresca: "Our major players are on the bench. Let's not underestimate our opponents and I hope we don't wait till it's too late to make the necessary changes during the game."
It is safe to say that this is not Chelsea's strongest lineup. Not with players like Reece James, Pedro Neto, Robert Sanchez, Marc Cucurella, Josh Acheampong, Trevoh Chalobah and Alejandro Garnacho on the bench.
If it works out, Maresca will look very smart for taking the chance to give some of his key players rest and avoiding further injury problems. But if it does, it will leave Chelsea in a very tough spot when it comes to qualifying for the next round.