Prediction: Krasnodar vs Chelsea

Prediction: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 11/25

Bookmaker: 888sport

The UEFA Champions League is back in our lives this week and fans are buckling up for an incredibly busy schedule between now and Christmas. There are clubs across the continent that will be scratching and clawing to try and qualify for the knockout stage of this great competition and they’ll be doing so in a pretty short period of time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, we’re going to be taking a look at the impending clash between Krasnodar and Chelsea.

Krasnodar

Over the course of the last few years football fans have seen Krasnodar rise up from obscurity to become one of the more notable names to come out of Russian football. While they may not exactly be world-beaters they’re definitely a side not to underestimate, although their league campaign doesn’t really live up to that billing. They’re sat in 8th place in the Russian Premier League after 12 games, and if nothing else, they’ll be hoping to use the UCL as a welcome distraction.

Team News

The hosts will be hoping to have Cabella available after his COVID-19 test came back as inconclusive last week. Elsewhere, Ari, Claesson, Stotsky and Maciel are all expected to be examined before kick-off.

Chelsea

There appears to be a constant battle going on at Stamford Bridge between Chelsea wanting to flourish as an exciting attacking team whilst simultaneously attempting to build a strong defensive structure. It’s been an uneasy experiment up to this point but they do seem to be finding their feet as a squad, and with a busy winter period ahead of them, it’s vital that the Blues are able to steady the ship and work as a cohesive unit.

Team News

Alonso is out through suspension for this one with the other two notable absences being Arrizabalaga and Gilmour, both of whom are injured. One man who could well make his full debut in this one is none other than new signing Hakim Ziyech.

Factors to Consider

• Chelsea drew 0-0 with Sevilla in their Group E opener whereas Krasnodar drew 1-1 with Rennes.
• Krasnodar have won two, drawn two and lost two of their last six games.
• Chelsea have won one and drawn five of their last six games.
• Krasnodar have scored eight goals and conceded nine in their last six games.
• Chelsea have scored 11 goals and conceded seven in their last six games.

Conclusion

It’s always tricky to make a midweek venture over to the depths of Russia and for that reason alone we don’t think this is going to be a straightforward win for the Blues. With that being said, this is the sort of group that could be won by anyone and that sort of unpredictability is something Frank Lampard will be hoping to avoid. We believe Chelsea will edge out a narrow 1-0 win here, but arguably more importantly, they’ll be hoping not to sustain any notable injuries ahead of the Burnley game at the weekend.

Prediction: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 11/25

Bookmaker: 888sport