Chelsea

All six of Chelsea’s previous fixtures against Belgian sides have produced a decisive scoreline – and in each case the losing team failed to score – and a customary strong start in Europe means the west Londoners should have little trouble justifying short odds of 1/8 about a home win.

Genk have lost successive Belgian league fixtures – and have not won in five in all competitions – so it would not be dismissive to suggest it would require a leap of faith to take the 18/1 about a shock away win at Stamford Bridge.

A mixed start to the domestic season has left them mid-table and the omens do not look good about a maiden first experience in England.

Genk marked their return to Europe’s elite club competition after nine years with a hard-earned point at home to Valencia but crashed 2-0 at Bayer Leverkusen two weeks later and will be afforded no mercy in the capital.

Chelsea have lost just once all season in all competitions – against champions Manchester United – and last season were denied a sixth semi-final appearance in eight years against the same opponents.

Mario Been was appointed as Frank Vercauteren’s permanent successor by Genk on August 30 but the wheels have come off recently and Chelsea will surely view the visit of the Belgians as a home banker.

Marseille have made a strong start in Group F with two wins and no goals conceded but Arsenal have never lost in seven previous visits to France.

However, seasoned Gunners fans will know that particular statistic masks another worrying fact – the north Londoners have lost six of their last eight away games in the competition proper.

Draws have been a major issue for Didier Deschamps’ team this season – they have collected six already in Ligue 1 – and it may pay to follow another stalemate at 12/5.

Arsenal have picked up three points in Europe so far this season – but conceded in both games – and trail Wednesday’s hosts by just two points, but may decide to adopt a conservative approach given that they may look to progress by taking points at the Emirates Stadium.

In OM’s last 17 home fixtures in the competition proper they have only won seven, with seven defeats, and avoiding an away reverse may be the priority for the Gunners.

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