Chelsea vs FC Copenhagen: Europa Conference League Second Leg Preview
Chelsea welcomes FC Copenhagen to Stamford Bridge on Thursday night for the second leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League Round of 16 tie. After winning 2-1 in Denmark last week, the Blues are in a good position to book their quarter-final spot.
Chelsea has been dominant in the Conference League this season, winning all six of their group stage matches and picking up a narrow win last week. Goals from Reece James and Enzo Fernández gave Enzo Maresca’s side a vital advantage going into the return leg. But a late goal conceded keeps Copenhagen in the hunt.
The Blues are also on a three-game winning streak across all competitions after beating Leicester City 1-0 in the Premier League last weekend. Chelsea have been strong at home, losing just one of their last 19 matches at Stamford Bridge.
FC Copenhagen face a tough task to overturn a one-goal deficit. The Danish side has shown resilience in Europe this season, coming back from behind to beat Heidenheim earlier in the competition. But history is against them — no Danish team has ever beaten Chelsea and Copenhagen has never won away to an English side.
Team News & Tactics
Chelsea
Nicolas Jackson, Noni Madueke, and Marc Guiu are out with hamstring injuries. Mykhailo Mudryk is suspended, and Reece James and Malo Gusto are doubtful due to illness and ankle injury, respectively.
Cole Palmer is expected to start despite feeling unwell before the Leicester City match. Shumaira Mheuka could lead the line again after making history as Chelsea’s youngest player to start in a major European competition last week.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Chalobah, Adarabioyo, Badiashile, Gusto; Fernández, Caicedo; George, Palmer, Nkunku; Mheuka. Copenhagen are without Andreas Cornelius, Lukas Lerager, Oliver Hojer and Nicolai Boilesen through injury. Roony Bardghji is still recovering from an ACL injury and will miss out. Marcos Lopez is suspended after picking up too many yellow cards.
They’ll likely play a defensive 5-2-3 formation to sit deep and hit Chelsea on the counter.
Probable Lineup (5-2-3): Ramaj; Gocholeishvili, Garananga, Pereira, Hatzidiakos, Meling; Clem, Froholdt; Claesson, Chiakha, Achouri.
Key Stats
- Chelsea have won all 4 home games in the Europa Conference League this season and scored 19-3.
- No Danish team has ever beaten Chelsea (D2 L5), and FC Copenhagen have never beaten an English team away from home.
- FC Copenhagen have lost just 1 of their 14 away games in the Conference League since the competition started.
- Chelsea have lost just 1 of their last 19 home games in all competitions.
Player to Watch: Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer will be the key for Chelsea to break down Copenhagen’s defence. He’s the creative force for the Blues with several attackers out. He’ll have more responsibility to control the game and create chances.
Chelsea vs FC Copenhagen Prediction
Chelsea’s home record and attacking prowess should be enough to win comfortably and go through.
Chelsea 2-0 FC Copenhagen (Chelsea 4-1 on aggregate)
Chelsea vs FC Copenhagen Live Stream
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