This week sees the final round of matches in the group stage of the 2020/21 UEFA Champions League. Group E has already been decided and Chelsea will finish top of the group, with Sevilla in second place.
Krasnodar, who visit Stamford Bridge on the final match day, are guaranteed third place and will progress to the knockout stages of the Europa League.
𝗚𝗼𝗮𝗹ivier Giroud! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/2gLJDzuLLt— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 6, 2020
𝗚𝗼𝗮𝗹ivier Giroud! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/2gLJDzuLLt
Chelsea come into this match having defeated Leeds United 3-1 at home in the Premier League on the weekend. The Blues fell a goal behind early in the game but scored the equaliser in the first half to send the teams in at 1-1. A headed goal from a corner saw Chelsea take the lead and a late strike from Christian Pulisic sealed the points.
That result means Chelsea are undefeated in their last 16 matches in all competitions after 90 minutes, including the 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur in the League Cup. They have won each of their last 4 games in the Champions League, with a victory at home over Rennes and three away wins at Krasnodar, Rennes, and Sevilla.
Trends show Chelsea have managed to keep a clean sheet in 4 of their last 5 games in the Champions League and they have scored 2 or more goals in their last 4 Champions League games in a row.
Krasnodar make the trip to London having defeated Rotor Volgograd comfortably at home in the Russian Premier League on the weekend.
They were 3-0 up before half time and scored two more goals in the final minutes of the match. That result means Krasnodar have won 3 of their last 5 games in all competitions but overall, their form has been poor, with just 3 victories in their last 11 matches in all competitions.
Krasnodar tend to struggle when playing away from home and they have failed to win any of their last 6 away games in all competitions. They have lost each of their last 4 matches on the road, including a defeat at Sevilla in the Champions League.
Trends show Krasnodar have won only one of their last 5 games in the Champions League, with the victory coming at home against bottom of the group Rennes. Over 2.5 goals have been scored in 8 of FK Krasnodar's last 10 matches in the Champions League.
Team news and Chelsea could be without Hakim Ziyech who picked up a hamstring injury on the weekend. The hosts could make several changes to the team that played against Leeds United, with many of the fringe players starting the match.
Krasnodar are likely to be without the injured duo of Dmitry Stotskiy and Sergei Petrov. Every other player should be fit and available for the visitors.
There is nothing riding on the outcome of this game but Chelsea will be keen to continue their good run of form with a victory. We expect to see the hosts score 2 or more goals and keep a clean sheet on their way to maximum points.