Chelsea welcome Pafos to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday as Liam Rosenior's side look to secure automatic qualification to the Champions League last-16 with just two matches remaining
Tom James Phillips
15:52, 21 Jan 2026
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Liam Rosenior
View Image
Liam Rosenior during a press conference(Image: Jasper Wax)
Chelsea are preparing to face their fourth different competition in as many matches as they welcome Pafos FC to Stamford Bridge for Wednesday evening's Champions League league-phase fixture. With only two games left to play, the Blues find themselves two points adrift of the automatic last-16 qualification places, whilst the Cypriot visitors remain in the hunt for a play-off spot.
New head coach Liam Rosenior is thrown straight into the deep end, making his Champions League bow for Chelsea soon after taking the reins in the EFL Cup, FA Cup, and Premier League. Before Enzo Maresca's surprise exit, the Italian had guided Chelsea through an inconsistent opening to their European campaign, collecting three victories, one draw, and two losses from their first six league-phase matches—the most recent being a disappointing 2-1 defeat away to Atalanta BC on matchday six.
Chelsea have also lost points against Bayern Munich and Qarabag this season, leaving them in 13th place and outside the top eight. However, the league table remains closely contested, with the Blues only three points behind third-placed Paris Saint-Germain.
Interestingly, all of Chelsea's European setbacks this season have occurred away from home; at Stamford Bridge, they have triumphed over Barcelona, Ajax, and Benfica, and are now unbeaten in 17 UEFA group stage or league-phase matches on their own ground. The hosts also maintain a 21-game scoring run in European competition and enter this match following a straightforward 2-0 Premier League win over Brentford-their second victory in eight games across all competitions.
On the other hand, Pafos trail Chelsea by just four points in the Champions League standings and have made a notable impact in their debut season. The Cypriot team, who share Chelsea's record of two losses, have secured points against Villarreal, Monaco, Olympiacos, and Kairat-most notably defeating Villarreal 1-0 in November and drawing with the other three teams, reports the Mirror.
Consequently, Albert Celades's squad are still very much in the playoff race, sitting 26th and just one point behind Copenhagen, who currently hold the final knockout position in 24th.
Consistency has proved elusive for Pafos, highlighted by their surprising 2-0 defeat to Olympiakos Nicosia in domestic competition at the weekend, leaving them trailing Cypriot First Division leaders Omonoia Nicosia by five points with a game in hand. Their European away record has also been problematic, having failed to score on their Champions League travels, and they approach their maiden encounter with an English side as significant underdogs.
Chelsea vs Pafos Prediction
Chelsea to win to nil - 19/20 ( Betfred )
Over 4.5 goals - 11/8 ( Betfred )
18+ | Gamble responsibly | gambleaware.org | Odds subject to change
Gamble responsibly
Reach plc is dedicated to promoting safer gambling. All our content and recommended bets are advised for those aged 18 or over.
Article continues below
Please note that odds are subject to change.
We strongly urge our readers to wager only what they can comfortably afford to lose. For further information, please contact the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit gambleaware.org.