Chelsea vs RB Salzburg Odds & Prediction – Champions League Group Stage (Sept 14)

• Chelsea hosts RB Salzburg in the second round of group stage play in the Champions League on Wednesday, September 14th, at 3:00 pm ET
• The match is being played at Stamford Bridge in London, England
• Get the Chelsea vs RB Salzburg picks, odds analysis, and betting prediction below

Last week, Chelsea was stunned in their first round of Champions League group stage play. The Blues lost embarrassingly to Dinamo Zagreb, a defeat that resulted in Thomas Tuchel’s sacking. It marked Chelsea’s third loss in seven games, along with two draws. However, the majority of people still agree that the decision from new owner, Todd Boehly, was rather harsh. Now, Graham Potter takes the reigns at Stamford Bridge, which makes Chelsea vs RB Salzburg all the more enticing.

As a matter of fact, many fans and pundits are simply unsure of how Potter will start his Chelsea stint. Does he stay with five defenders at the back; a formation that did him wonders at Brighton? Or, does he switch to a more offensive oriented shape to appease wannabe “Football Manager”, Boehly?

On the other hand, RB Salzburg come into Wednesday with confidence and a defined strategy. They stole a point against AC Milan last week, which will honestly feel like a victory for a side who lost several key pieces in the summer. Regardless, Chelsea at Stamford Bridge is a nearly impossible task, given their recent home record in the group stages (13-6-0).

Chelsea vs RB Salzburg Odds

Odds as of September 13th at Caesars Sportsbook. Use this Caesars Sportsbook bonus code to bet on this Champions League match

In turn, Chelsea are still the moneyline favorites with odds of -280. All of their losses this season have been away from home, and a new manager bounce should serve them quite nicely. Also, their outright Champions League odds have moved from +1400 to +2500.

Out on the grass at Cobham! pic.twitter.com/CLSrNUIlpm

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 12, 2022

Over/Under Odds
Furthermore, goals are to be expected as the over is set relatively high at 3.5 total goals. However, a bet on the over sits at +120 odds, while under 3.5 goals is favored at -150 odds. Personally, this seems like a trap bet if you’re considering the over at plus-odds, considering Chelsea and Salzburg have only hit that play twice in 16 combined games this season. Potter will surely give Chelsea a boost, but he also will not be overtly risky, given their place in the Group E table.

A bet that does intrigue me is Chelsea to keep a clean sheet, also with odds of +120. Listen, I know Chelsea have only kept one clean sheet all year and it was against Everton. But, RB Salzburg have injuries all over the pitch. It took a piece of individual brilliance for Noah Okafor to score against AC Milan. They simply will not get that lucky against a technically stronger Chelsea back line.

Not to mention, Chelsea have kept a clean sheet in 83.33% of their last six Champions League group stage matches at home.

Oumar Solet Is a Tough Miss for Salzburg

Again, this match will probably be a little tame in terms of the final score line. I do favor a Chelsea win, but only by a small margin. RB Salzburg and Matthias Jaissle do deserve some respect in this match, especially after that AC Milan result. They absorbed a ton of pressure and were resilient in defense until Rafael Leao cut them up and delivered to Alexis Saelemaekers for the lone Milan goal.

Chelsea vs RB Salzburg Statistics

*Stats are from 2022/23 domestic league play.

Nonetheless, they will be without yet another potential starter in Oumar Solet, on Wednesday afternoon. The 22-year-old is a bright, French defender, and one that does significantly improve that back line. Bernardo should take his place, but small margins make the difference in the Champions League. Inevitably, it is tough to not expect Raheem Sterling or Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to grab a breakthrough.

Watch Graham Potter's first Chelsea press conference live! https://t.co/ht5tfPHDPU

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 13, 2022

Chelsea vs RB Salzburg Projected Lineups and Injuries

Chelsea Projected Lineup: Kepa, Koulibaly, Silva, Fofana, Cucurella, Jorginho, Kovacic, James, Mount, Sterling, Aubameyang

Injuries & Absences: Kante

RB Salzburg Projected Lineup: Kohn, Ulmer, Pavlovic, Bernardo, Dedic, Seiwald, Capaldo, Kjærgaard, Kameri, Okafor, Fernando

Injuries & Absences: Okoh, Omoregie, Tijani, Piatkowski, Koita, Diambou, Sucic, Wober, Solet, Diakite

Chelsea vs RB Salzburg Prediction

Finally, my best bet for this match is the Chelsea clean sheet with odds of +120. I love the plus odds here, especially off the back of a new manager coming in. If nothing else, Potter will have this side motivated, which will play a huge part in Wednesday’s outcome.

Pick: Chelsea clean sheet (+120)