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.
Thirteen goals were netted during four fixtures, and Olivier Giroud contributed five of those strikes to sit as the top scorer in this competition with nine successful efforts to his name.Giroud has been starved of opportunities in the Premier League this season, but the World Cup winner has taken the chance to prove to Sarri that he is still an important member of his squad.
Callum Hudson-Odoi has also chipped in with four goals and two assists, but the academy graduate will likely find himself on the bench on Thursday night having started two top-flight encounters in succession.
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.