Chelsea have registered three successive wins in England’s top flight, but the West Londoners are aware that victories over two of Slavia Prague, Benfica and Eintracht Frankfurt will provide them with their second appearance in the final of this competition in six years.
The Blues have arguably been provided with the perfect draw, and Sarri will want his players to continue with the ruthless streak which they displayed against Malmo and Dynamo Kiev.
Kepa Arrizabalaga should start ahead of Willy Caballero between the sticks, but the likes of Eden Hazard, Hudson-Odoi and Gonzalo Higuain will likely have to make do with a spot among the replacements.
Slavia Prague vs Chelsea: Prediction
Chelsea obviously go into this tie as massive favourites to advance, but this will be anything but a one-way street for them, especially in the first leg at Sinobo Stadium. Thursday’s affair ill actually represent a very strong test for Maurizio Sarri’s men who are also in the battle for the top-four finish in English Premier League.
Winning the Europa League trophy is another way for Chelsea to play Champions League football next year. They’ve been given one of the easiest draws for this stage of the competition, but we have to say Slavia Prague are unbeaten in front of the home crowd this season in Europa League.Trpisovsky’s men did not concede a single goal in four consecutive home affairs in this competition. It is quite an achievement if we know they played the likes of Bordeaux, Copenhagen, Zenit and Genk in the process.