Skip to main content
Edouard Mendy of Chelsea during the UEFA Champions League, Group H football match between Juventus FC and Chelsea FC on September 29, 2021 at Allianz Stadium in Turin, Italy - Photo Giuseppe Maffia / Sportphoto24 / DPPI (Photo by Giuseppe Maffia / Sportphoto24 / DPPI via AFP)

Chelsea welcomes Malmö FF to west London for Matchday 3 of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday afternoon. Both squads are conquering domestic divisions, but can the best of Sweden's Allsvenskan compete with the English Premier League's elite?

The Blues sit atop the English Premier League following a narrow 1-0 win over London rivals Brentford this past weekend. Still, Chelsea may not have been so fortune without goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and his man-of-the-match display.

Now Thomas Tuchel, undeterred by his squad's lack of flair, should be comfortable while facing a seemingly pedestrian Champions League challenge from Malmö FF.

Here are my picks and predictions for Wednesday's Champions League matchup between Chelsea and Malmö FF (Odds via DraftKings and Bet MGM).

Chelsea vs. Malmö FF Game Info

Date/Time: Wednesday, October 20 at 3 p.m. ETTV: CBS or fuboTVLocation: Stamford Bridge, London, England

Chelsea vs. Malmö FF Odds and Analysis

Sportsbooks worldwide are heavily juiced on Chelsea, which isn't surprising because Malmö FF are the most lackadaisical club from Group H.

The current betting line for Chelsea to win is -1100, which gives an implied probability of 91.7 percent.

Chelsea vs. Malmö FF Picks

Chelsea to win halftime/full-time @ -225 (Bet MGM)Under 3.5 goals @ -140 (DraftKings)Chelsea to win by two goals @ +260 (DraftKings)

Chelsea vs. Malmö FF Predictions

Chelsea to win -1100

Chelsea's form at Stamford Bridge has been declining over the past four weeks. However, Tuchel's side shouldn't struggle to claim all three points against Malmö FF, but odds of -1100 are undesirable and don't offer a strong return on your investment.

Mendy has been the talk of the town while achieving 20 clean sheets over 36 domestic fixtures with his goal-stopping prowess. Continuing that trend versus a lower-level European team shouldn't trouble the Senegalese star, and we expect his talents to push Chelsea toward yet another clean sheet.

Malmö FF would be foolish to believe Chelsea's current form can be overlooked. The Blues continue winning despite their lackluster statistics, but the Swedish outfit will still need a miracle to turn around a poor Champions League run.

The visitors enter Wednesday's match with the second-most goals conceded (seven), and besidesBesiktas, no other squad is expected to give up more goals throughout the tournament.

Malmö FF has already suffered two defeats in Group H, and the defending champions should make it a third.

Under 3.5 goals -140

Mendy has been fierce in goal, which should help Chelsea to continue their goal-preventing form. Additionally, Chelsea should be able to field its usual defense after using a makeshift unit against Brentford.

The absences of center-backs Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger were felt, but their return to the club's training ground on Monday morning was surely a welcome sight for Tuchel.

With Chelsea's defensive issues settled and Mendy riding high, Malmö won't get many scoring opportunities. Though despite Malmö losing heavily thus far, I don't envision Chelsea's poor goal-scoring turning around quickly.

The Blues haven't scored much during the 2021 Champions League, including a 1-0 win over Zenit in their previous UCL home fixture. That makes the under 3.5 goals a valuable play.

Chelsea to win both halves -118

Wednesday's fixture likely won't be a high-scoring affair, but it's easy to see Chelsea taking charge during both halves. The hosts shouldn't find it difficult to score one goal per half to prove they can't be counted out yet.

The available odds on Chelsea to win both halves are offering more value than usual with the Blues opposing a team that's put together such an uninspired UCL streak. On home turf and while facing pressure following media criticism, don't be shocked when Chelsea walk out with a two- or three-goal victory.