Champions League: Match preview, Red Bull Salzburg vs Chelsea F.C.: Prediction, Head-to-head, lineups, key stats

The Blues are undefeated in their past eight matches and seek a victory in Salzburg to clinch first place in Group E.

With that 1-1 draw, the Blues aroused fears of Champions League elimination. However, two triumphs over AC Milan have placed Chelsea atop Group E, and a victory would guarantee their progression to the next round.

They will have to defeat a Salzburg side that is still unblemished in Europe but has drawn three of their four games. A draw away to Dinamo Zagreb has made it difficult for them to get to the knockout round.

In Group E, only one point separates second-place Red Bull Salzburg from first-place Chelsea.

The hosts have yet to lose a game but are in second place after three draws in four contests.

Salzburg's fate is still in their own hands heading into the penultimate round of matches; a win would be enough to assure them a spot in the game of 16 if AC Milan and Dinamo Zagreb's match ends in a draw, but they could also fall out of the top two if things do not go their way.

The Austrian powerhouses have gone undefeated in their past 16 matches this season. However, Sturm Graz held them to a scoreless draw at the weekend in league play, and only two of their last nine Champions League encounters have resulted in a victory.

After 13 games, Red Bull Salzburg has climbed to the top of the Austrian Bundesliga standings and is on its way to winning another championship.

The domestic campaign for Chelsea has been fruitful, notably under Graham Potter. Since Potter succeeded Thomas Tuchel, the West London side has won three and drew one of their four Premier League games.

Key stats for the match

• The only last European match between Red Bull Salzburg and Chelsea was a 1-1 draw on matchday two of this season.
• This season, Chelsea has allowed the fewest opponent passes per defensive action (8.3) in the UEFA Champions League.
• Red Bull Salzburg is winless in seven European contests against English clubs.

RB Salzburg predicted the lineup.

Several key Salzburg players, including Justin Omoregie, Fernando, Ousmane Diakite, and Nicolas Capaldo, are scheduled to miss the match.

Salzburg's injury woes continue to worsen. Midfielder Luca Sucic's muscular issue is the most recent concern.

Andreas Ulmer, a veteran captain, hopes a recent injury will not prevent him from starting here.

Probable lineup: Kohn, Okafor, Sesko, Dedic, Solet, Pavlovic, Ulmer; Kjaergaard, Gourna-Douath, Seiwald, and Sucic.

Chelsea predicted lineup

Kalidou Koulibaly is hurt after missing Monday's practice. Despite concerns that Marc Cucurella is still battling an illness, the remaining players are healthy and eligible for selection.

Reece James, N'Golo Kante, and Wesley Fofana are all still unavailable.

Probable lineup: Kepa, Mount, Havertz, Sterling, Azpilicueta, Chalobah, Silva, Chilwell, Gallagher, Jorginho, and Loftus-Cheek.

Red Bull Salzburg VS Chelsea prediction

Red Bull Salzburg and Chelsea are two of the most dangerous defensive teams in the UEFA Champions League this season.

Manchester United outclassed the Blues for most of their match, but Potter's squad should still take advantage of Salzburg's thin roster to advance to the round of 16.

Final prediction: Red Bull Salzburg 0-1 Chelsea