Maurizio Sarri’s Chelsea side require a resounding response to their weekend showing in their first leg round-of-32 match against Malmo at the Swedbank Stadion.
Although the Chelsea boss is under pressure from all sides, including rumours that Zinedine Zidane may have already been lined up to replace him, a weakened team can be expected in the first of four consecutive cup fixtures over 10 days.
Sarri will opt to reserve his main firepower for two fixtures that could have more of a bearing on the decision regarding his tenure. Manchester United in the FA Cup fifth round on Monday night and the Carabao Cup Final against Man City the following Sunday.
Unbeaten in the Europa League this campaign, Chelsea have been strong and will hope to get back on track. Only once before have Chelsea reached this round of the Europa League. They won the competition on that occasion and will be encouraged by that statistic.
Dropping out the Europa League could scupper Chelsea’s only chance to secure Champions League football next season if Sarri’s side were to miss out on fourth.
What time does it start?
Malmo vs Chelsea kicks off at 8pm on Thursday 14 February.
Where can I watch it?
The match will be shown live on BT Sport 2 from 8pm. BT Sport subscribers can also watch via the website or app.
Predicted line-ups
Malmo: Dahlin; Nielsen, Bengtsson, Safari, Vindheim, Christiansen, Bachirou, Lewicki, Rieks, Rosenbourg, Antonsson
Chelsea: Caballero; Zappacosta, Cahill, Christensen, Emerson, Kovacic, Kante, Loftus-Cheek, Hudson-Odoi, Willian, Giroud
Form guide
Malmo: DLWDWD
Chelsea: LWLWW*L
*After extra time
Head-to-head
This fixture will be the first meeting between the clubs.
Odds
Malmo to win: 9/1
Chelsea to win: 2/5
Draw: 4/1
(Odds provided by Betfair)
Prediction
1-3
