Currently, the Blues sit in thirteenth place in the Champions League, and three points will be crucial if they are to avoid a dreaded two-legged knockout play-off.
He will also take his chances as he faces one of the smallest clubs in the tournament.
Pafos have done well to take six points from their first six appearances in Europe, and they can take heart from a defeat to Villarreal in November and draws against Monaco and Olympiacos.
Pafos’ squad includes David Luiz, who was part of Chelsea’s legendary Champions League-winning team in 2011-2012. Now 38, he returns to Stamford Bridge for the first time since January 2020, when he helped Arsenal to a 2-2 draw.
He may be denied an on-field reunion due to injury, as reports in the Cypriot press suggest he may have to undergo a late fitness test.
Legend: David Luiz helped Chelsea to Champions League glory in 2012 and now plies his trade at Pafos
AFP via Getty Images
Date, start time and location
Chelsea vs Pafos is scheduled for a 8pm GMT kick-off on Wednesday 21 January 2026.
The match will take place at Stamford Bridge in West London.
Where to look Chelsea vs Paphos
TV channel: In the UK, the match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 3, with coverage from 7pm, ahead of the 8pm kick-off.
Live stream: TNT Sports subscribers can also follow the match live online via the Discovery+ app and website.
Live blog: You can follow all the matchday action via Standard sport‘s live blog, with expert analysis from Dom Smith at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea vs Paphos team news
Rosenior has been dealing with a number of injuries ahead of this match, including Cole Palmer. The Chelsea talisman has been plagued by a persistent groin injury this season and played 90 minutes against Brentford on Saturday but appeared to be in some pain at the whistle. It remains to be seen whether he will be involved in mid-week.
Elsewhere, Estevao and Jamie Gittens both missed the Brentford match due to illness, and it is not yet clear whether they will be available against Pafos.
Injury Care: Cole Palmer
Getty Images
Malo Gusto is a doubt as he appears to be shaking off the ‘pain’ he felt ahead of the Brentford match.
Tosin Adarabioyo may drop out with a hamstring problem. Levi Colwill and Romeo Lavia are still recovering from long-term injuries.
David Luiz returns to Stamford Bridge for the first time in six years and is not allowed to touch the pitch. He has an injury and is expected to undergo a late fitness test.
Pafos press officer Christoforos Mattheou said: “If he is not selected, it will be a big loss for us, but also for him. He would love to play against his former team that made history, but let’s not wait to see if he stays in the squad.”
Spanish defender David Goldar may also be missing, as well as midfielder Joao Correia.
Bittersweet: David Luiz may not be fit to play upon return to Stamford Bridge
AFP via Getty Images
Chelsea vs Paphos prediction
After opening his Chelsea career at Charlton Athletic, Liam Rosenior has been given another likeable match to open his Champions League account.
Chelsea have played hot and cold in the Champions League so far this season. They were swept away by Bayern, dismissed Barcelona and moved to Qarabag.
They are harder to predict than ever, but Rosenior expects the class of his side to lift them above the Cypriot champions.
However, Pafos have shown that they are capable of beating giants. They stunned Villarreal last year and battled to a deserved draw with a number of credible teams.
Chelsea will therefore have to be on their guard, but expect to get at least three points.
Head-to-head (h2h) history and results
This will be the first competitive meeting between Chelsea and Pafos.
Chelsea vs Paphos match chances
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
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