Chelsea welcome Krasnodar to Stamford Bridge in a dead rubber Group E clash in 2020-21 UEFA Champions League.
Chelsea will advance into the knockouts as Group E winners no matter what Sevilla achieve against Rennes, whilst Krasnodar are already guaranteed Europa League football from February.
Team News
Hakim Ziyech is ruled out for Chelsea after suffering a hamstring injury in Saturday’s Premier League win over Leeds.
Callum Hudson-Odoi is also absent with his own hamstring injury.
Krasnodar could be without Yuri Gazinski (back) and Kristoffer Olsson (hamstring) but otherwise have a full squad available for selection.
Stat Attack
- Chelsea won their only previous meeting against Krasnodar, defeating the Russian opposition away in late October.
- Krasnodar won their only previous trip to England, beating Everton 1-0 at Goodison Park in December 2014 in 2014-15 Europa League.
- Oliver Giroud has scored five goals in his last two Champions League appearances for Chelsea.
Prediction
With the group sorted, both teams can afford to experiment with Frank Lampard clearly likely to rest some first-team regulars as indicated by Kepa Arrizabalaga starting in goal here.
Chelsea however cannot afford to let their momentum of 16 matches unbeaten in all competitions slip with a hectic schedule coming throughout December and January, whereas Krasnodar won’t have any pressure on them so can afford to come out and play with spirit, although I do expect Chelsea to prevail comfortably.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Krasnodar
Result: Chelsea 1-1 Krasnodar