Malmo – Chelsea, Europa League Prediction

Malmö became third in Sweden’s Allsvenskan and will take part in the Europa League next season, then made sure to qualify for the next stage this season in a rather complicated group. What we saw from Malmö is a pretty strict and tactical approach in most matches, but at the same time they showed character and class at times when it was required. They lost only one match in their visit to Genk, and in the winter break they played some friendly matches.

It is hard to predict exactly how Chelsea will be present in this tournament, because the blues are definitely struggling in the league and Sarri is under pressure. They do not have such a big squad at the same time, however, they have a League Cup final, a Man United home game in the FA Cup on Monday and now a match with Malmö. These are too many games and do not be surprised if you see Chelsea again having troubles and not doing their best.

Malmö vs Chelsea look like a match in which we will hardly see much open football and chances. Malmö plays very well in defense and tries to avoid making mistakes, and in the first match we expect the first half to be tactical. Besides, if Chelsea does lead, it is more logical to save energy and keep the score because they have too many matches in the coming weeks.  Chelsea have scored 3 goals away from home only 3 times this season as the last time was in October. Prediction – Chelsea – 2.5 goals at 1.48

• Chelsea lost and did not score in 4 consecutive away games in all competitions
• Malmö have 1 loss in the last 17 games that came in a friendly
• Malmö has 5 clean sheets in the last 8 home games in Europa League