Chelsea vs FK Krasnodar Prediction & Betting Tips - Champions League

Prediction published on 06/12/2020, 05:48  by James | Modified on 06/12/2020 at 06:48 in Champions League Predictions

Stamford Bridge will have a party atmosphere on Tuesday night when Chelsea welcome Krasnodar to London for their final UEFA Champions League match of the group stage. The Blues have nothing to lose after topping Group E with a massive performance in Spain last week, Olivier Giroud scoring all four goals in a 4-0 win over Sevilla. Krasnodar may also feel the celebratory mood as they booked their passage to the Europa League when this section ends by beating Rennes last week. Marcus Berg got the only goal of a tense game to cement his club's third-place position. Chelsea are now unbeaten in their previous 12 matches in all competitions. Their 3-1 victory over Leeds sent them to the top of the Premier League table. Giroud scored in that game too, which will have delighted boss Frank Lampard. The French forward spoke openly about his desire for time in the starting XI. He has proven himself to be worthy of a place there, and Lampard will hope that other aggrieved players can follow his lead in this match. Chelsea will inevitably rest several key first-team players, which will create opportunities for the likes of Tammy Abraham to put himself back into the limelight. 

Chelsea are unbeaten in their last eight home matches, keeping five clean sheets in that sequence. The reverse fixture against Krasnodar saw them ride a wave of a caginess before earning a comfortable 4-0 win. Krasnodar have lost five of their last six away matches, so we expect them to offer little resistance here. Chelsea have been winning at half-time and full-time in their previous four UCL matches. We anticipate another half-time/full-time victory for the home side.