After a lengthy break, the Champions League returns this week, with Chelsea hosting Pafos at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, January 21.
Under new manager Liam Rosenior, Chelsea have turned the corner of bad results, ending a six-game winless run in all competitions, and they are now searching for an automatic qualification spot into the last 16.
Pafos, meanwhile, are in danger of their UCL journey coming to an end, as they currently sit outside the qualification spots in 26th, but a positive result at the Bridge could see them jump into one of the hot seats.
The visitors also have a new manager in Albert Celades, and the Spaniard knows a thing or two about winning in London, as Chelsea’s previous defeat in a UEFA group/ league phase match came against his Valencia team back in 2019.
Explore our Chelsea vs Pafos betting tips below.
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Chelsea vs Pafos predictions: Home advantage the difference
Key stats
- Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 17 Champions League matches.
- The Blues have only lost two of the previous 62 UEFA group stage/ league phase fixtures.
- The hosts have kept two clean sheets in three UCL matches, conceding only once.
- Pafos are yet to win a UCL game this term, and have not scored a goal away from home.
Correct score prediction: Chelsea 3-0 Pafos
The Blues have scored 13 goals in their six UCL matches, averaging 2.1 goals per game. Meanwhile, they conceded eight goals in that sequence of games, but only one of them came at home. They’re strong defensively, having kept clean sheets against Barcelona and most recently Brentford in the Premier League. As a result, the visitors will find it tough going on Wednesday night.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Overwhelming favourites
- HOME: 2/11 (1.18) – 84.6%
- DRAW: 7/1 (8.00) – 12.5%
- AWAY: 11/1 (12.00) – 8.3%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Unsurprisingly, Pafos have been given almost no chance of securing a victory in London, with Ladbrokes placing an away victory at a 8.3% possibility. A draw is more likely according to the bookmaker, as it comes in at 12.5%, while the hosts are heavy favourites to secure maximum points at 84.6%.
We have more free betting tips for today to help you out with the best possible selections.
Most recent H2Hs: No history between the two
This is the first-ever meeting between the two sides. However, Chelsea’s previous meeting with a Cypriot side came against Apoel in 2009-10, when they won 1-0 in Cyprus, but drew 2-2 in West London.
Chelsea preview: No fresh injuries for Rosenior
The new Chelsea boss has been slightly fortunate, with the majority of his squad available for selection. He has been tinkering a little in his first few games in charge to discover the best possible combinations for him.
Predicted lineup: Jorgensen; James, Chalobah, Adarabioyo, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Pedro
Last five matches
- Chelsea 2-0 Brentford
- Chelsea 2-3 Arsenal
- Charlton 1-5 Chelsea
- Fulham 2-1 Chelsea
- Man City 1-1 Chelsea
The visitors are in a similar situation to Chelsea in that they do not have any new injury concerns. Brazilian Pedrao is still a long-term absentee with a knee problem from September last year. Other than that, new head coach Celades will have a full complement of players for this fixture.
Predicted lineup: Michail, Luckassen, David Luiz, Goldar; Bruno, Sunjic, Pepe, Orsic; Correira, Dragomir, Silva
Last five matches
- Ol Nicosia 2-0 Pafos
- Pafos 2-0 Omonia Aradippou
- Pafos 2-1 Chloraka
- Appolon 2-1 Pafos
- Paralimni 0-2 Pafos
Player to watch: Joao Pedro
Rosenior has several attacking options available to him, including the likes of Marc Guiu, Liam Delap, and Joao Pedro; however, it appears that the Brazilian is his favoured choice at the moment, after starting the last two games.
The former Brighton man started his Chelsea career like a house on fire, but that has dwindled over time; however, Pedro found the back of the net against Brentford last weekend, ending a four-game drought.
The forward will be looking to make his mark on this competition once again, after scoring Chelsea’s only goal in their 2-1 defeat to Atalanta in December.