Premier League: Chelsea vs Pafos 21/01/2026

Win to Nil

Chelsea look quite overloaded by injuries and the heavy match schedule. In general, they remain within their targets, but their on pitch image and the record of four wins in their last 14 matches across all competitions are worrying.

On Saturday they took advantage of their moments and secured an important home win, beating Brentford 2-0. For most of the match, however, they were limited to a passive role and the final result flatters them. The home game against Paphos is perfectly within their reach and they will chase the three points that will keep them alive in the battle for the top eight.

Paphos do not have the individual quality to compete at this level, but so far they have done very well. The team balance, however, has been altered since Spartak Moscow paid the release clause and took their coach.

Without Carcedo, who was the architect of their success, things have not gone well. With the controversial Thelades on the bench, they lost 2-0 to Olympiacos Nicosia and fell to minus five from the top.

Easily or with difficulty, Chelsea should take the three points. Paphos have important absences and are unsettled by the departure of their coach. In any case, in their Champions League away games they have not scored yet and against an opponent with much higher quality, I do not expect them to create many chances.