Racing expert Will Smith is sweet on a 2-star ** ante-post 14/1 EW selection for Saturday's Cleeve Hurdle on Cheltenham's Trials Day card.
Date published: January 19, 2026
Date of Tips: 19/01/2026
Disclaimer The odds for these selections were correct at the time of publishing (13:30 19/01/2026) but may have changed since. Please check the latest price before placing your bet.
Chelsea FC
v Paphos FC 
Stamford Bridge
UEFA Champions League LEAGUE_STAGE 
21-01-2026 20:00
Chelsea Form
Paphos FC Form
Wednesday night at Stamford Bridge for Champions League football, as Chelsea welcome Pafos. This one seems like a no brainer, but Pafos have surprised a few teams already, which is why this Chelsea vs Pafos prediction takes a proper look at team news and likely lineups to see if there’s more going on beneath the surface. Who’s missing, who might get a rest, and how both sides are likely to set up to get a feel for what might be the best betting angles for this one.
Chelsea are still getting used to life under Liam Rosenior, the English coach who’s barely had time to unpack since stepping into the job. Domestic cups, league games, and Europe. The good news is that confidence ticked up after a solid league win at the weekend, even if consistency has been a problem overall.
At the back, there’s a bit to keep an eye on. Tosin Adarabioyo, the powerful centre-back who’s been a regular in English football for years, came off with hamstring tightness last time out. The club hope it was just precautionary. Malo Gusto is also being monitored after a knock, while youngsters Estevao Willian and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens have been battling illness. None are guaranteed starters anyway, which makes rotation more likely than risk.
There are confirmed absences too. Romeo Lavia remains sidelined with a thigh issue, Levi Colwill is out with a knee problem, and Mykhaylo Mudryk is unavailable. That opens the door for players like Andrey Santos, a Brazilian midfielder building his reputation in European competition, and Josh Acheampong, who’s impressed when trusted at full-back.
In attack, Chelsea have options. Liam Delap leads the line here, a striker still early in his career but already used to the physical demands of top-flight football. If penalties come Chelsea’s way, Cole Palmer is usually the man trusted from the spot when he’s on the pitch, while free-kicks tend to be shared depending on angle and personnel.
Pafos arrive with very different pressures. This is their first Champions League campaign, and they’re still fighting to stay alive in the competition. Albert Celades, the Spanish coach with experience both as a player and manager in top European leagues, has done a tidy job keeping them competitive.
Defensively, though, it’s not ideal. David Luiz, the former Chelsea defender now in the twilight of his career, picked up an injury at the weekend and could miss out on a Stamford Bridge return. David Goldar and Joao Correia also have fitness concerns, which leaves Pafos stretched at the back.
Going forward, Mislav Oršić is the danger man. The Croatian winger brings experience and is often the first choice for free-kicks and dead-ball deliveries.
Chelsea are expected to rotate but still field a strong side. Robert Sanchez should keep his place in goal. Acheampong, Fofana, Badiashile, and Hato form a youthful but athletic back four. Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos anchor midfield, with Tyrique George and Alejandro Garnacho offering width. Joao Pedro plays just off Delap.
Pafos look more makeshift. Michail in goal, a patched-up defence featuring Luckassen and Langa, a hardworking midfield trio, and Oršić supporting the attack.
From a betting perspective, Chelsea scoring feels likely. The clean sheet is also on the table. Pafos haven’t offered much going forward away from home in Europe, which shapes how we’re looking at this.
Everything points one way. Home crowd, deeper squad, more urgency. Chelsea should take control early and manage the game professionally.
Match Prediction: Chelsea to win. Bet with bet365.
A comfortable home win makes sense. If Chelsea score early, you can see them adding another before the break and one more after. Our correct score tips for this match are 2-0 Chelsea, and 3-0 Chelsea.
Correct Score Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Pafos. Bet with bet365.
This feels more controlled than chaotic. Chelsea don’t need to go wild. A steady total rather than a goal frenzy looks more realistic. Under 2.5 goals feels a bit risky, so we’re recommending under 3.5 goals for this one.
Over/Under Prediction: Under 3.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.
Chelsea to win. Chelsea to score in both halves. Pafos held scoreless. Adding a Chelsea striker to find the net increases potential returns. It’s a builder that matches the expected match flow and outcome you’d expect from this one.
Bet Builder Tip: Chelsea to win to nil, Chelsea to score in both halves, and Liam Delap to score anytime. Bet with bet365.
Key Stats
18+. New customers only. Min deposit £20. Max One £10 Free Bet & two £5 Bet Builder Free Bets.. Qualifying Bets must be placed at odds of 1/1 (2.00) or greater. Paid as bonus tokens with Min 4/5 (1.80) odds req. Token 2& 3 are valid for Bet Builder only and are subject to min odds of 2/1 (3.00) T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org #ad
Visit our football previews & predictions page for more betting tips on upcoming matches.
Chelsea are strong favourites at Stamford Bridge and should have too much quality.
Kick-off is at 20:00 UK time on Wednesday, 21 January 2026.
The match takes place at Stamford Bridge in West London.
This fixture is part of the UEFA Champions League league phase.
Top Casinos
Top New Bookmakers
Top Offers
Racing expert Will Smith is sweet on a 2-star ** ante-post 14/1 EW selection for Saturday's Cleeve Hurdle on Cheltenham's Trials Day card.
Top Rated Bookmakers
Here you'll find football corners betting tips from our expert football analyst, Liam Johnson. All of the corner predictions published here on WhichBookie are 100% free.
Best Football Bookies
