Chelsea vs Dynamo Kyiv preview | Latest team news | Expected line-up | Prediction

Chelsea will be looking to secure a healthy lead when they take on Dynamo Kyiv in their Europa League last-16 first leg clash at Stamford Bridge this evening.

The Blues – who are currently the bookies favourites to win the competition – eased through the last-32 stage after beating Malmo 5-1 on aggregate to set-up an interesting tie with Kyiv in the last-16.

Obviously Chelsea will be confident of progressing over two legs but the Ukrainian outfit shouldn’t be underestimated as they booked their place in the next phase of the Europa League after beating Olympiacos 3-2 in the previous round.

Maurizio Sarri has seen his future at Stamford Bridge called into question recently but he’s eased the pressure on his shoulders with back-to-back wins over Tottenham and Fulham to boost their hopes of finishing in the top four of the Premier League.

Team news

Chelsea have no fresh injury worries to contend with but Sarri may be tempted to rest some of his key men ahead of Sunday’s league game with Wolves. Kepa, Antonio Rudiger, Emerson, N’Golo Kante, Eden Hazard and Gonzalo Higuain are among those who could be given a breather tonight.

Willy Caballero could return in goal while the likes of Marcos Alonso, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Mateo Kovacic, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Olivier Giroud could be set for recalls.

Danny Drinkwater remains out with a tendon injury while Marco van Ginkel continues to nurse a long-term knee problem.

As for Kyiv, they’ll be without winger Benjamin Verbic due to suspension so Sidcley could be brought in to the side.

Expected line-up

Predicted score

Chelsea 2-0 Dynamo Kyiv: Kyiv have never won a European match in England having lost 11 of their 14 trips and they’ve not won any of their last nine first-leg knockout matches in the Europa League, so Chelsea should be extremely confident heading in to the game. The Ukrainians shouldn’t be taken too lightly but even a weakened Chelsea side should have enough to get the job done.