Champions League 2025-2026: Chelsea-Pafos, the likely lineups

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, with kickoff set for 9 p.m., the UEFA Champions League championship stage stages at Stamford Bridge the match between Chelsea and Pafos, a key fixture for the Blues’ European ambitions.

For the Blues, this is a real watershed match: the top 8 is still attainable, but a false step would risk complicating the last day decisively. The advent of Liam Rosenior on the bench has ushered in a new phase, and the 2-0 success against Brentford has restored confidence in the environment, even in front of the Stamford Bridge crowd, which is coming off a difficult period.

Pafos comes to London without the obligation of having to win at any cost, but with the knowledge that even a draw would be invaluable in terms of the top 24. The Cypriots’ first Champions League experience so far has been positive in terms of solidity and organization, although clear limitations have emerged away from home: in the single round, Pafos has yet to score on the road.

Probable lineups

Chelsea (4-2-3-1):
Sanchez; James, W. Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; E. Fernandez, M. Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Joao Pedro.
All. Rosenior.

Pafos (3-4-2-1):
Michail; Luckassen, David Luiz, Goldar; Bruno, Sunjic, Pepé, Orsic; Correia, Dragomir; Anderson Silva.
All. Carcedo.