UEFA Conference League - Chelsea VS FC Copenhagen Prediction
UEFA Conference League - Chelsea VS FC Copenhagen
Match Time:14-03-2025 04:00 Friday (GMT+8)
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips
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Chelsea
Chelsea will be without Nicolas Jackson, Noni Madueke, and Marc Guiu, as all three remain sidelined due to hamstring injuries. Additionally, Mykhailo Mudryk is unavailable due to suspension, limiting Enzo Maresca’s attacking options.
There are also concerns over Reece James, who missed the weekend win over Leicester City due to illness, and Malo Gusto, who is nursing an ankle injury. Both players will be assessed ahead of the game to determine their availability.
Cole Palmer, Chelsea’s key creative force, was feeling unwell in the days leading up to the Leicester match, but he is expected to be fit to start in an advanced midfield role. Meanwhile, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Tyrique George will be pushing for a recall, having started in the first leg against Copenhagen.
Last week, Shumaira Mheuka made history by becoming the youngest player to start for Chelsea in a major European competition at just 17 years and 137 days old. With Chelsea’s injury concerns in attack, he may lead the line once again, although Christopher Nkunku is also an option to start on the flank or as a central forward.
Chelsea are expected to set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Robert Sanchez starting in goal. The back four will feature Trevoh Chalobah at right-back, with Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile forming the central defensive partnership, while Malo Gusto could slot in at left-back if fit.
In midfield, Enzo Fernández and Moises Caicedo will operate as the double pivot, controlling possession and breaking up play. Further forward, Tyrique George is likely to start on the right flank, with Cole Palmer playing as the attacking midfielder and Christopher Nkunku occupying the left wing.
Leading the line, Shumaira Mheuka is expected to start as Chelsea’s centre-forward, offering youthful energy and movement in the final third.
FC Copenhagen
Copenhagen remain without Andreas Cornelius, Lukas Lerager, and Oliver Hojer, who are all dealing with unspecified injuries. Additionally, Nicolai Boilesen continues his recovery from a knee injury, while Kevin Diks is sidelined with an ankle issue.
There had been hopes of a return for Roony Bardghji, but Thursday’s match will come too soon for the young talent, as he continues his rehabilitation from a long-term ACL injury.
Thomas Delaney is a doubt due to illness and will be assessed before kickoff. Meanwhile, Marcos Lopez is suspended after accumulating too many yellow cards. His absence is likely to see Birger Meling step in at left-back or left wing-back, depending on how FC Copenhagen set up tactically.
At the back, Gabriel Pereira, who scored in the first leg, will remain a key presence in the heart of the defense. In attack, 18-year-old Amin Chiakha is expected to lead the line again, with Viktor Claesson and Elias Achouri providing attacking support from the flanks.
FC Copenhagen are likely to set up in a 5-2-3 formation, with Diant Ramaj in goal. The defensive line will consist of Giorgi Gocholeishvili at right wing-back, Munashe Garananga and Gabriel Pereira as the central defensive pairing, and Pantelis Hatzidiakos adding extra defensive stability. On the left, Birger Meling is expected to start in place of the suspended Marcos López.
In midfield, William Clem and Victor Froholdt will operate as the double pivot, looking to shield the defense and provide a foundation for attacking transitions. Further forward, Viktor Claesson and Elias Achouri will take up roles on the flanks, supporting Amin Chiakha, who is expected to lead the attack as Copenhagen look to overturn their 2-1 first-leg deficit.
Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Sanchez; Chalobah, Tosin, Badiashile, Gusto; Fernandez, Caicedo; George, Palmer, Nkunku; Mheuka
Copenhagen possible starting lineup:
Ramaj; Gocholeishvili, Garananga, Pereira, Chatzidiakos, Meling; Clem, Froholdt; Claesson, Chiakha, Achouri
Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Copenhagen (Chelsea to win 5-2 on aggregate)
Copenhagen are no pushovers for Chelsea and they may cause a potentially weakened Blues outfit a few problems in the final third on Thursday. However, Maresca's men will still be regarded as favourites to come out on top, both in the second leg and on aggregate, and they should ultimately have enough to outscore their Danish counterparts once again.
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