Chelsea v Pafos – Line-ups, stats and preview
Chelsea take on Pafos FC on Wednesday in the Champions League. Read our in-depth preview here
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Match Preview for Chelsea v Pafos
Chelsea return to Champions League action on Wednesday evening, welcoming Pafos to Stamford Bridge as they continue their push for automatic qualification from the league phase.
The Blues sit just outside the top eight with two matches remaining and know that maximum points are likely required to avoid the playoff round, while Pafos arrive in West London still firmly in contention for a place in the knockout phase.
It will be a landmark occasion for newly-appointed Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior, who is preparing for his first Champions League match in charge of the club following recent domestic and cup commitments.
Chelsea’s European campaign has been defined by contrasting fortunes home and away, with all of their dropped points coming on the road. Defeats to Atalanta, Bayern Munich and a draw against Qarabag have left the Blues 13th in the standings, but they remain within touching distance of the leading pack.
Home form has been far more convincing, with Chelsea overcoming Barcelona, Ajax and Benfica at Stamford Bridge during the league phase, extending their unbeaten run in UEFA group-stage and league-phase home matches to 17 games.
Pafos, meanwhile, have exceeded expectations in their maiden Champions League campaign and remain very much alive in the race for a playoff berth.
The Cypriot side have taken points from Villarreal, Monaco, Olympiacos and Kairat, including a shock 1-0 victory over Villarreal, leaving them just one point shy of the top 24 positions.
Team news for Chelsea v Pafos
Chelsea are monitoring the fitness of Tosin Adarabioyo after the defender was withdrawn against Brentford with hamstring tightness, although the issue is believed to be precautionary.
Estevao Willian, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and Malo Gusto are also being assessed, while Mykhaylo Mudryk remains unavailable due to suspension, and Romeo Lavia and Levi Colwill continue their recoveries from injury.
Given the congested schedule, Rosenior may opt for rotation, which could open the door for Josh Acheampong, Jorrel Hato, Andrey Santos and Tyrique George to feature from the outset.
Pafos have significant defensive concerns ahead of the trip to London, with former Chelsea defender David Luiz forced off early at the weekend, while David Goldar and Joao Correira were also substituted due to injury.
Those setbacks could leave Celades short of options at the back, potentially requiring a makeshift defensive pairing on Wednesday night.
Expected line-ups for Chelsea v Pafos
Chelsea: Sanchez; Acheampong, Fofana, Badiashile, Hato; Fernandez, Santos; George, Pedro, Garnacho; Delap
Pafos: Michail; Bruno, Luckassen, Langa, Pileas; Pepe, Sunjic, Quina; Dragomic, Silva, Orsic
How to watch Chelsea v Pafos: TV channel, online stream
Chelsea v Pafos FC will be played on Wednesday evening at Stamford Bridge, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm (UK time).
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports, with coverage available via TNT Sports 4.
An online stream will be accessible through discovery+, available on compatible devices.
The stats for Chelsea v Pafos FC
- Chelsea are unbeaten in 17 Champions League group-stage or league-phase home matches
- The Blues have scored in 21 consecutive European fixtures
- All of Chelsea’s dropped points in the league phase have come away from home
- Pafos have failed to score in any of their Champions League away matches
- The Cypriot side are making their first-ever appearance in the Champions League proper
Prediction
Chelsea
Pafos
Pafos have impressed against established European sides this season, but the challenge of Stamford Bridge may prove a step too far.
Even with rotation, Chelsea’s depth and attacking quality should allow them to capitalise on the visitors’ defensive issues and strengthen their push for a top-eight finish.
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