Prediction: Chelsea vs Malmo

Prediction: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 1/12

Bookmaker: 888sport

The UEFA Champions League is back in our lives this week as a parade of teams prepare to hit the half-way point of the group stage. The frontrunners have, for the most part, gotten off to a strong start, but there are definitely a few surprise packages making some waves with one-third of games played. Today, we’re going to take a look at what appears to be a mismatch on paper as European champions Chelsea host Swedish champions Malmo.

Chelsea

Thomas Tuchel is well aware of what his side are capable of but they haven’t put in an overwhelmingly convincing performance since beating Tottenham 3-0 last month. They’re doing all the right things with respect to breaking into the final third and creating some problems for the opposition but if they want to be genuine title contenders, and in the mix across other competitions, they need to start killing teams off.

Team News

Pulisic is still on the shelf with Rudiger not making it back in time from his back injury. Elsewhere, Thiago Silva is a doubt but still expected to feature with Ziyech also being touch and go.

Malmo

Things couldn’t be tenser for Malmo right now who, based on what’s happening domestically, are struggling to balance their league and UCL commitments. They have yet to score in the group stage with seven goals conceded and in the Allsvenskan, they’re in the final stretch of the season with just two points separating the top four in the title race. They’ll put up a fight here but if the choice is Europa League qualification or focusing on the league, they mean lean towards the latter.

Team News

Ahmedhodzic is suspended after picking up a red card against Zenit in the last round with Toivonen, Knudsen, Lewicki and Sejdiu all being injured for the trip to London.

Factors to Consider

• Chelsea are 2nd in Group H whereas Malmo are 4th.
• Chelsea have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six games.
• Malmo have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six games.
• Chelsea have scored eight goals and conceded four in their last six games.
• Malmo have scored 10 goals and conceded nine in their last six games.

Conclusion

Malmo have a tendency to be quite erratic and that just isn’t going to work at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea operate with a compact style that rarely puts them in danger at the back and while Malmo may come straight at them, the Swedes will be left vulnerable to the counter attack as a result. The Blues are the reigning European champions and with such a reputation comes expectations, and we’re backing them to live up to that with a strong 3-0 outing on Wednesday.

Prediction: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 1/12

Bookmaker: 888sport