Chelsea have a huge game against Pafos in the Champions League on Wednesday.
While Pafos are not the strongest side that Chelsea will face in Europe’s elite competition this season, Liam Rosenior’s men desperately need a win.
Last time out, they lost 2-1 to Atalanta, leaving them 13th in the Champions League league phase table.
Should Rosenior risk Gusto against Pafos? 👏
Acheampong has been solid…
Josh Acheampong celebrates with Chelsea teammates after scoring against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
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It means that, as things stand, Chelsea will miss out on automatic qualification to the knockout round and will have to take part in a play-off. Going into the Pafos game, Chelsea have a bit of momentum after beating Brentford in the west London derby last weekend.
UEFA Champions League 2025/26 First Qualifying Round Draw
Photo by Kristian Skeie – UEFA
Opta supercomputer predicts Chelsea to miss out on top eight
Chelsea may very well beat Pafos this week, but Opta’s supercomputer is not giving them much chance of finishing in the top eight ahead of the match.
According to its results, which have been shared by Opta Analyst on X, Chelsea only have a 24.6% chance of automatically qualifying for the knockout stage.
In contrast, when it comes to finishing in the play-off places, they have a 75.4% chance. It means Chelsea can probably expect to play an additional two games before the knockout round proper begins.
After participating in the Club World Cup last summer and making it to the Carabao Cup semi-finals this season, it is the last thing that the Blues need.
Chelsea could be about to get some reinforcements, though, as Jeremy Jacquet is currently a target at Stamford Bridge.
Joao Pedro of Chelsea celebrates scoring
Photo by Chris Ricco – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
How Chelsea could line up against Pafos
Given the predicament that Chelsea are in, you suspect that Rosenior will put out a strong team.
Because of recent injuries, the Chelsea head coach may need to rest Cole Palmer and Reece James, but most of the Blues’ regular starters should be on the pitch this Wednesday.
Which changes would YOU make to face Pafos? 🖋️
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After that game, Chelsea travel to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace, who have just sold Marc Guehi to Manchester City.
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