THE EUROPA LEAGUE Last 16 concludes on Thursday night as Chelsea travel to Dynamo Kiev. Gaurav Chaddah (@Gchaddahjourno) shares his betting thoughts.
Dynamo Kiev v Chelsea | Thursday 14th March 2019, 17:55 | BT Sport
Chelsea travel to Ukraine on Thursday with one foot already in the quarter-finals of the Europa League, having easily seen off Dynamo Kiev 3-0 at Stamford Bridge last Thursday.
The hosts have it all to do after a disappointing display in London whilst Maurizio Sarri will know that failure to progress now would seriously damage his already under-threat position as Blues boss.
Chelsea struggled to a 1-1 home draw against Wolves on Sunday and for the visitors, Europa League success might be the only way into next season’s Champions League.
Dynamo Kiev
Kiev lost their unbeaten away record in this competition when they were beaten at the Bridge last week, and now have a mountain to climb if they are to progress.
Although they did lose 3-0, Dynamo did look good in parts, and with home advantage they should be able to pose more of an offensive threat, that’s for sure.
The concern for the hosts here is, whilst there away record has been good, the same cannot be said for them at home. Dynamo have won only two of there last six Europa League home games and to win 3-0 which would force the game into extra-time would be something they haven’t done in Europe for six years – they are right up against it.
Chelsea
Chelsea’s performance at home on Sunday meant more questions over their general performance and the future of Sarri as they battle for a Champions League spot.
Whilst Premier League fortunes over the last few months have been underwhelming, the Italian has overseen an unbeaten Europa League campaign, that has yielded six wins and a draw.
The first leg performance was convincing enough from the Blues and whilst they did tail off a little, there should be next to little problem in ensuring progression. Chelsea face an important game in the shape of Everton on Sunday and Sarri may tempted to rotate a little.
The Betting Angle
Chelsea have been pretty much fruitless in this competition so far but have been a little sloppy in the three away games. They conceded away at Malmo last time and could only a muster a 2-2 draw against Vidi in the final group game.
With rotation on the cards and Kiev expected to attack, Both Teams To Score at 19/20 with Paddy Power seems a good play.
Best Bets
Dynamo Kiev v Chelsea – Both Teams To Score (19/20 Paddy Power)
