Chelsea Champions League draw: group, fixture dates and analysis

On paper, Frank Lampard won’t be too unhappy with the Champions League draw – Chelsea face none of the giants of Europe and an Ajax side missing their two best players from last season.

Without Frenkie de Jong, it is no surprise that the Dutch champions haven’t been as dynamic in midfield this season, and the loss of Matthijs de Ligt has still been keenly felt but not quite as impactful.

However, the Amsterdammers still have plenty from the side that made last-season’s semi-finals. Hakim Ziyech remains their most creative player and sporting director Marc Overmars said Donny van de Beek will still be there for the rest of the season in the middle of the park.

Dusan Tadic, Brazil international David Neres, veteran Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Dutch international Quincy Promes, a new arrival from Sevilla, ensure they haven’t lost much up front.

The 21-year-old Mexican defender Edson Alvarez already has 28 caps for his country and scored a De Ligt-style header to send Ajax on their way to qualification against Apoel on Wednesday night.

Champions League Group H

Chelsea
Ajax
Valencia
Lille

Valencia certainly have European pedigree as they return to the Champions League after a two-season absence. It would be far-fetched to say as coach that Marcelino has brought the glory days back to the Mestalla, but last season was at least respectable.

Nevertheless, they haven’t started this season well, and there are a few Premier League rejects in their squad.

Indeed, ex-Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin was sent off in their opening game of the season against Real Socieded, and his former Emirates team-mate Gabriel Paulista only lasted an hour of their defeat to Celta Vigo last weekend.

Ex-Manchester City flop Eliaquim Mangala at least adds a sense of humour to the dressing room, after jokingly comparing himself to Virgil van Dijk last week.

Lille are the great unknown quantity, but were the nearest any club came to Paris Saint-Germain last season, finishing second in Ligue 1 last season, albeit 16 points behind. Victor Osimhen, the 20-year-old Nigeria striker, has scored four goals in three games since arriving at the French side from Wolfsburg in the summer.

When does the group stage begin?

The Champions League group stage runs from Tuesday 17 September to Wednesday 11 December.

Match dates:

Matchday one: 17-18 September
Matchday two: 1-2 October
Matchday three: 22-23 October
Matchday four: 5-6 November
Matchday five: 26-27 November
Matchday six: 10-11 December