On Wednesday, at 17:55, Chelsea travels to Russia for the duel with FK Krasnodar, from the second stage of the groups in the UEFA Champions League. Frank Lampard’s team is still experiencing problems of homogeneity after the transfers this fall, and the results of the Londoners so far have been at least hesitant. A very balanced match is announced here.
Chelsea come to Krasnodar without Kepa and Marcos Alonso, but otherwise they can display their offensive that beats the Germans Havertz and Werner. Normally, Lampard’s team should impose their game, especially since they benefit from a solid defense, which knows how to keep the dangers away from the goal. However, Krasnodar is not directly “condemned”, even if she has some group problems: the injured Cabella, Claesson, Markov, Stotsky and Wanderson cannot play. Under these conditions, Londoners start with the first chance and it is normal to lower their share.
In the first stage of group E, both games ended in a draw. Chelsea drew with Sevilla, while Krasnodar and Rennes played a spectacular match, ending 1-1. With any luck, the Russians can get involved in the fight for qualification, but they need a positive result on Wednesday night. Chelsea will not make concessions to the greens, who have conceded a goal in the last 8 consecutive matches, in all competitions. In the last round of the championship, Krasnodar lost at home to Spartak Moscow (1-3), fully accusing the lottery problems.
It was not a bad match made by the hosts, but Spartak was decisive in the important duels and had an extra chance, a possible scenario for Chelsea as well. The English form a very skilled band from an offensive point of view and the experience is also on the side of the white-blues. In the last two official matches, Chelsea is without a goal and allowed their opponents only 5 shots on goal. It’s hard to believe that we will see a surprise from the Russians, who look quite vulnerable after joining the UCL groups. It will be the first direct duel between the two bands.
Marcus Berg is the most dangerous player in Krasnodar’s offense, who will line up in a defensive position, meant to block the creative players of the English. Even if they have only one victory in the four official away games this season, Chelsea approach with great confidence the match from the UCL groups, and the bets on few goals seem to be the “green” option.
8 of the last 10 victories obtained by Chelsea in UCL were successful without a goal;
Chelsea have conceded a goal in the first half in 4 of their last 5 Champions League away games;
Chelsea comes after 3 consecutive draws, two in the championship and one in the Champions League;
Both teams scored in 7 of the last 8 matches played by FK Krasnodar;
PREDICTION: Chelsea to win @ 1,44
