Chelsea Set to Clash with Pafos: Match Preview, Bold Predictions and Expected Starting XIs
Chelsea's second-to-last Champions League group stage match sees them face tournament newcomers Pafos FC, who have impressed with their European performances thus far.
Liam Rosenior's opening three matches as manager have spanned different tournaments, and Wednesday evening will mark his Champions League debut to complete the quartet.
His tenure began with two victories and one loss, with Saturday's lackluster victory against west London neighbors Brentford positioning the Blues in sixth place in the Premier League. They currently sit on the edge of the top eight in the group standings, following a 2–1 defeat to Atalanta on the road in their last Champions League match under former boss Enzo Maresca last month.
They should face minimal challenges against Cypriot title holders Pafos, who recently separated from manager Juan Carlos Carcedo, the tactician who guided them to championship glory last season. Newcomer Sofyane Cherfa now occupies the technical area, facing the difficult task of preserving Pafos' playoff aspirations.
Their six points from an equal number of matches keeps Wednesday's away team in the hunt for a top 24 position, though they presently occupy 26th place in the standings.
What Time Does Chelsea vs. Pafos Kick-Off?
What Time Does Chelsea vs. Pafos Kick-Off?
Chelsea vs. Pafos Head-to-Head Record
Chelsea vs. Pafos Head-to-Head Record
This marks the inaugural competitive encounter between Chelsea and Pafos.
Current Form (All Competitions)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Chelsea | Pafos |
|---|---|
Chelsea 2–0 Arsenal - 17–01–26 | Olympiakos 2–0 Pafos - 17–01–26 |
Chelsea 2–3 Arsenal - 14–01–26 | Pafos 2–0 Omonia Aradippou - 12–01–26 |
Charlton 1–5 Chelsea - 10–01–26 | Pafos 2–1 Akritas Chlorakas - 07–01–26 |
Fulham 2–1 Chelsea - 07–01–26 | Apollon 2–1 Pafos - 04–01–26 |
Man City 1–1 Chelsea - 04–01–26 | Paralimni 0–2 Pafos - 14–12–25 |
How to Watch Chelsea vs. Pafos on TV
How to Watch Chelsea vs. Pafos on TV
Country | TV Channel/Live Stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | TNT Sports 3, discovery+, discovery+ App |
United States | Paramount+ |
Canada | DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada |
Mexico | TNT Sports, Max Mexico, TNT Go |
Chelsea Team News
Chelsea Team News
With Chelsea still pursuing a top-eight finish, Rosenior might consider this match an opportunity for squad rotation.
Cole Palmer appeared uncomfortable after completing the full 90 minutes over the weekend, as Chelsea's star player continues battling a groin complaint. He may be given a rest during the week, potentially allowing João Pedro to start in the attacking midfielder position.
Estêvão and Jamie Gittens both became unwell before the Brentford victory but might be fit for Pafos' arrival. Nevertheless, the Blues are expected to be missing Tosin Adarabioyo due to a hamstring injury, while Levi Colwill and Roméo Lavia remain unavailable.
Malo Gusto is managing a minor injury and may be absent once more.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Pafos
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Pafos
Chelsea predicted lineup vs. Pafos (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; Acheampong, Fofana, Badiashile, Hato; Santos, Fernández; Estêvão, Pedro, Garnacho; Delap.
Pafos Team News
Pafos Team News
"Should he not be chosen, it would represent a significant setback for us, and for him as well. He would genuinely love to feature against his previous club that created history, but we must wait to see whether he'll be included in the squad," Pafos media officer Christoforos Mattheou commented regarding David Luiz before the Brazilian's possible return.
Luiz will receive a final fitness assessment to establish if he can participate, after sustaining an injury over the weekend.
David Goldar and João Correia are also expected to miss the west London encounter.
Pafos Predicted Lineup vs. Chelsea
Pafos Predicted Lineup vs. Chelsea
Pafos predicted lineup vs. Chelsea (4-3-3): Gorter; Bruno, Luckassen, Langa, Pileas; Pêpê, Šunjić, Quina; Dragomir, Silva, Oršić.
Chelsea vs. Pafos Score Prediction
Chelsea vs. Pafos Score Prediction
Although the Blues haven't fully impressed under their new manager, they have the chance to deliver an entertaining performance for the Stamford Bridge supporters.
Pafos have surpassed expectations in the tournament to date, but are likely to be missing a crucial defensive figure in Luiz, who would have savored this moment and possibly sparked a potential surprise result.
Finding the net has proven problematic for the visitors, and while Rosenior's Chelsea aren't quite Fabio Capello's Milan, the home side should manage to maintain sufficient dominance over the match that they're seldom required to defend intensively.