Chelsea hosts Malmo in the Champions League as it looks to bounce back in the competition. The Blues were handily defeated by Juventus the last time out in the tournament as the Old Lady looks to take control in Group H away from the reigning European Champions. They’ll be tested against a stubborn Zenit side in matchday three while their opposite numbered European giant hosts the punching bag of the group in the Swedish league leaders. Thomas Tuchel’s men have looked shaky this season, but they have continued to get results nonetheless. One has to like the home side’s odds regardless of who takes the pitch.
Here is how The Pride of London team sees the contest playing out:
Gabe Henderson: 4-0 Chelsea
These are two clubs who are moving up in the world. It’s been two-and-a-half years since these two sides met in a European competition. The Blues managed to get by their Swedish counterparts comfortably (5-1 on aggregate) in the Europa League—this time out will be no different. I said it back then and I’ll say it again now: the home team is going to toy with a bunch of “Tickle Me Malmo” dolls.
Barrett Rouen: 4-0 Chelsea
I just think we’ll score a lot and win.
Kevin Peacock: 3-0 Chelsea
It’s always difficult to judge these European games. For sure Thomas Tuchel will juggle the squad, but whoever is picked ought to be capable of securing a good win. It would be good to see the front players, particularly big Rom (if he’s picked) score the goals.
Olaoluwa Nwobodo: 4-0 Chelsea
Malmo could just as easily give the Blues a tough game. However, the home side should have too much for its Swedish visitors and overwhelm them anyway. Chelsea only has three points in the Champions League, so this is a must win.
Anthony Gatt: 3-0 Chelsea
Everybody is back fit except Christian Pulisic so there is no excuse as to why the Blues shouldn’t win this comfortably at home. Malmo has one thing in its favor, which is that it is 23 games into its season and will be at peak fitness. Regardless of that, Chelsea must pick all three points to keep the pace with Juventus and I see no reason as to why it won’t do that. 3-0, Ben Chilwell to score.
Abhishek Pancholi: 2-0 Chelsea
The Blues are not firing on all cylinders at the moment, and although Malmo is no match for Chelsea on paper, the game will be a different story altogether. With nothing to lose, the Swedish side will throw everything at the hosts, hoping to nick a goal and shut up shop. Despite a few nervy moments, the home side will manage to recover some sort of composure and two second half goals will put the tie to bed.
Nate Hofmann: 1-1 Draw
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: the Blues do their patented “score then stop playing” routine and suddenly a lesser opponent takes control of the match. It’s a classic. This time, I think Chelsea finally gets punished for it. Personally, I think it’s a matter of trying to conserve energy after going up by a goal. The amount of football played over the past year and a half is finally catching up to everyone. Either way, I’m expecting more of the same frustrating arc we’ve seen for the past couple of months.
Leighton September: 4-0 Chelsea
The Blues will show why they’re the most dominant force in Europe again, being top of the Premier League and when they win this match, on top of the group as well. Lukaku and Co. will be back in goal scoring form after this match.
Mike Malley: 3-0 Chelsea
The Blues could certainly use a dominant showing, and this Swedish side is the perfect subject for a serious drubbing. There will likely be heavy rotation in the starting XI from the weekend match-up against Brentford, but Chelsea’s depth continues to be crucial during the team’s heavily congested schedule. Any dropped points could be cause for concern heading into the final three matches of the UCL group stage, but Tuchel’s men should be ready for any potential challenge from Malmo. One player to look out for in the opposition; Anders Christiansen in the midfield.
Vansh Ambashta: 2-0 Chelsea
Tuchel will probably rotate a lot and give chances to the ones that haven’t been performing. Players like Saul and Hakim Ziyech will get a chance to prove themselves against Malmo. Expect a strong performance from Ziyech and Havertz.
What is your score prediction? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!