Chelsea vs Pafos Predictions: 21.01.2025 - Champions League Betting Tips

Chelsea vs Pafos

Chelsea take on Cypriot outfit Pafos in the Champions League looking to move into the top eight and secure a spot in the round of 16. After beating Brentford 2-0 in the Premier League, Chelsea will be looking to make back-t0-back wins for the first time since mid-December.

Our football tipster Nathan Joyes has analysed the Champions League betting odds and provides his best prediction for the encounter.

Chelsea's rebuild underway

With Enzo Maresca a forgotten man, Chelsea's results have remained rather inconsistent since he left. Liam Rosenior's appointment was met with mixed feelings, and after two wins and a defeat to his name, the Englishman is still finding his groove in his new environment.

However, the former Strasbourg head coach won his first Premier League home match at the weekend thanks to Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer putting the ball in the back of the net from 12 yards.

That ended Brentford's six match unbeaten run and now Rosenior will look to make it back-to-back wins for the first time since stepping into his new role.

There appears to be a new energy within the squad and their new manager will be hoping to take that into the Champions League where Chelsea have been strong at home. After beating Barcelona 3-0 at Stamford Bridge, expectations will be high when they face Pafos on Wednesday.

Pafos tough to crack

Pafos haven't quite been the whipping boys most people expected in their debut Champions League campaign. Despite Bayern putting five past them, Pafos beat Villarreal and drew with Monaco at home.

On the road, they've managed to secure two 0-0s against Olympiacos and Kairat Almaty, before suffering a respectable 2-0 loss against Juventus in Turin.

Former Chelsea defender David Luiz may be 38 but starts in the heart of Pafos' defence and he'll no doubt get a warm reception on his return to Stamford Bridge. However, the Brazilian will be hoping his team can frustrate Chelsea - and their new head coach.

Chelsea vs Pafos H2H

This is the first ever meeting between Chelsea and Pafos and it will, in fact, be Chelsea's first ever competitive fixture against a Cypriot outfit. Pafos have performed incredibly well to date in the Champions League but are still yet to win on their travels.

Our Chelsea vs Pafos betting tip

With Chelsea slowly improving under their new head coach, the hosts are extremely short favourites to beat Pafos in round seven - but will it be as easy as the odds suggest?

Nathan Joyes has looked into the Champions League odds for this fixture and has pulled out his best bet.

Palmer to pop up with a goal

Chelsea (1/7 with Betfred) are the shortest price to win in round seven but instead of getting sucked into their handicap line against Pafos (18/1 with Betano) it's best to look for value with their goalscorer market.

Pafos' handicap line has won in six of their seven matches to date - and +2.5 at 7/10 could well tempt many - but instead of chasing goals or hoping Pafos' defence can stay strong, Cole Palmer is the main focus.

The 23-year-old returned from injury to score against Brentford and the no.10 may be called up again if Chelsea find gaps in their opponents defence.

The visitors will look to set up shop with five at the back, but Palmer is known for finding pockets of space in and around the box and his intelligent movement - and finishing - makes him an attractive bet.

Palmer should start this match with plenty at stake, and at 4/5 to score anytime, this is a far better price than merely betting on the hosts to win.

TIP: Cole Palmer to score anytime at 4/5 with BetMGM.

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