Prediction and odds for the game: Krasnodar (6/1) v Chelsea (4/9)

We are backing under 2.5 goals scored at odds of under 11/8

When: Wednesday, 28th October 2020, Kick-off 17:55

Where: The Stadion FK Krasnodar

On Wednesday evening, Premier League Chelsea face a potentially tricky trip to Russia to face FK Krasnodar in Group E of the Champions League.

Krasnodar

The home side finished third-place in the Russian Premier League last season, but have not exactly made a stellar start to the new domestic campaign. Murad Musaev’s team has taken just 18 points from their opening 12 league games, which leaves them eighth-place in the fledgeling Russian top-flight table.

A 3-1 home defeat by Spartak Moscow last time out means that the home team has won just one of their previous four games in all competitions. The Russian team’s 1-1 draw at Rennes on matchday one of the Champions League was not a terrible result considering that the French team have some quality players in their ranks.

The draw means that Krasnodar are unbeaten in three games in the Champions League this season, having already negotiated a play-off tie with Greek side POAK. However, overall they have a mixed recent record in European football’s elite competition, having won just three of their six matches in the Champions League.

Chelsea

Like their opponents, Chelsea have enjoyed an inconsistent start to their domestic league campaign. A goalless draw at Manchester United means that Frank Lampard’s team are unbeaten in seven matches over 90 minutes in all competitions. However, five of those undefeated games have finished in draws, including their last outing in the Champions League that ended in a 0-0 stalemate against Sevilla.

The Blues recent record in the Champions League is not a great one, as they have won just once in their last six games in the competition. The goalless draw in gameweek one at Stamford Bridge brought Chelsea’s first clean sheet in six games in the Champions League.

The visitors recent away record in the competition could not be more inconsistent. The team from south west London have won four, lost four and draw one of their previous nine away games in the competition. They have kept just two clean sheets in their last nine Champions League matches on their travels.

Head coach Frank Lampard faces a tactical dilemma, as he fielded five at the back against Manchester United. The tactic work in keeping a clean sheet, but it also slightly blunted them in attack. Wing-backs Ben Chilwell and Reece James offer an attacking threat. Therefore, Lampard may persist with the same system and allow the pair more freedom to go forward.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that Chelsea are the favourites to win this game. However, the Blues have been less than convincing of late, especially in attack. We are expecting a relatively tight, as the home side are unlikely to be easy opponents. We are backing under 2.5 goals and the away win in this clash.

Verdict: we are backing under 2.5 goals scored at odds of 11/8 and/or the away win at odds of 4/9. (All odds are taken from Bet365)

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Can Krasnodar shock big-spending Chelsea on Wednesday evening?