Thursday evening, at 20:00, we bet on the duel between Chelsea and Slavia Prague, which counts for the second hand of the UEFA Europa League quarterfinals. The English were forced to play 1-0 after a match dominated by Maurizio Sarri’s team, which is a big favorite to join the squad. A white-blue elimination would be a great surprise.
Chelsea comes after eight consecutive wins in home games in the Europa League, and the last three successes were won without a goal. Thus, the Londoners are only one match away from equalizing an impressive record held by Atletico Madrid – 15 consecutive games without defeat in the Europa League. In addition, Chelsea did not receive a goal in 5 of the previous 6 matches played on home in all competitions, and Sarri’s team scored 78.5% of his successes in the second half. The difference in quality between the two bands due to Stamford Bridge is hard to ignore on Thursday night.
Slavia has been eliminated every time in European competitions after losing the first hand in the home and the hosts will not underestimate the opponent in the Czech Republic. Maurizio Sarri said that Slavia “can be very dangerous” on the move, a fact supported by the statistics of the championship: 11 wins, one draw and only two red-white fails. On the other hand, the Czechs lost at least three of the six continental trips this season.
A statistical detail shows us that Slavia drew at the break in each of the previous 5 games in the Europa League, which can recommend us a brave bet on Stamford Bridge. Chelsea will not force attack more than necessary, given the advantage of the tour, but the hosts could try to give the grace in the second half.
There are no big boss problems for Maurizio Sarri, who must do without Ampadu, Rudiger and Van Ginkel. The guests are missing Hromada and Tecl, and Alexandru Baluta is uncertain because of medical problems. In the tour, Chelsea had 57% of the time, but the sutures ratio was equal, 8-8. Slavia won the corners 7-4 due to the opening of the game in the flank, which we could take advantage of in the second hand.
Chelsea comes after a Liverpool championship failure (0-2), but white-blues could gain access to the Champions League next season by conquering the UEL trophy, a very important goal. Slavia drew with Sparta Prague (1-1) after the duel with Chelsea, but remains the leader in the Czech Republic, with great chances to become the champion.
CHELSEA – SLAVIA PROBABILITY TEAMS
Chelsea: Kepa – Azpilicueta, Christiansen, David Luiz, Alonso – Kovacic, Jorginho, Barkley – Hazard, Giroud, Willian
Slavia: Kolar – Djimsiti, Ngadeu, Deli, Boril – Sevcik, Kral, Traore – Stoch – Masopoust, Olayinka
PREDICTION: Chelsea to win @ 1,35
