FK Krasnodar vs Chelsea Predictions

• Krasnodar have scored in 11 of their last 13 European home games.
• Chelsea have seen both teams score in 23 of their 30 away games since Frank Lampard took charge.
• Chelsea have conceded in ten of their last 11 competitive away games.
• Chelsea have scored exactly three goals in five of their last ten on the road.

Underdogs face tough challenge

Krasnodar, playing in their first ever Champions League group stage, got off to a promising if unspectacular start last week as they clinched a 1-1 draw away to Rennes in matchday one, but things might get a little trickier for the Russians on Wednesday.

They face off with group favourites Chelsea, and with just one win from their last four in all competitions the hosts aren’t expected to fare any better when they welcome Frank Lampard’s Blues.

Chelsea hope to return to winning ways

Chelsea also head into this clash on the back of some disappointing results, with a goalless draw at Old Trafford on Saturday making it one win and five draws from their last six outings in all competitions.

While disappointing, it shouldn’t affect the outlook of this match too much. Chelsea have faced a much better quality of opposition than Krasnodar in this period, and they’re fully expected to return to winning ways on Wednesday.

They may have played out two consecutive goalless draws, but there’s still a very real concern over Chelsea’s defensive capabilities. The visitors played rather defensively against Sevilla and Manchester United recently, and the problems begin to appear when the Blues start pushing forward in search of goals.

Goals at both ends expected in Russia

Goals are expected of the Blues in Russia, and that will almost inevitably lead to chances for Krasnodar. The hosts have scored in ten of their last 11 matches in all competitions and in 11 of their last 13 European home games, including against the likes of Sevilla, Valencia and Getafe.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have conceded in 11 of their last 12 competitive trips away and, since Frank Lampard’s appointment last summer, both teams have scored in 23 of their 30 away games in all competitions. We’re backing both teams to score here, but we do expect a win for the visitors. Chelsea have scored exactly three goals five of their last ten competitive away games, so a 3-1 correct score prediction is our choice.