David Luiz Moreira Marinho's return to Stamford Bridge is in doubt. The Brazilian was forced off early in Pafos's most recent league match, so Chelsea may not meet their legend, and a heavy victory for them under Liam Rosenior also looks unlikely.
Chelsea
The sudden parting with Enzo Maresca at the beginning of January was bound to affect Chelsea's results. Last Saturday the hosts claimed only their second win in their last eight matches in all competitions; before beating Brentford 2:0, they had defeated Charlton Athletic 5:1 in The Football Association Challenge Cup, a side from the EFL Championship. This season Cole Palmer has had problems with end product: he has produced only 5+0 (goals+assists) in 14 appearances in all competitions. The side have been strong at home in the UEFA Champions League (three wins from three), but after the 1:2 defeat to Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio they have dropped out of the top eight.
Pafos
In this season's UEFA Champions League, Pafos have suffered only one heavy defeat in five rounds, and that came away to Bayern München in Munich (1:5). Of course, after parting company with head coach Juan Carlos Carcedo Mardones, their results have dipped slightly, but in the Cypriot league they are only two points behind Omonia Nicosia. In the UEFA Champions League the team even have a late chance of reaching the play-offs: among the clubs currently outside the top 24, they have the second-best defence after SL Benfica (9 goals conceded compared with 8).
Chelsea vs Pafos Prediction
Most likely Chelsea will control possession and may even be closer to victory first, but they are unlikely to thrash Pafos. We will highlight a positive handicap on the Cypriots in the betting line.
