Chelsea are set to face Astana in the UEFA Conference League this Thursday in a match unlike any other. The game could be potentially key for the Blues, who need just one point to secure their spot in the Round of 16.
However, the logistics and weather conditions surrounding this fixture make it especially challenging.
The game will take place in Almaty, Kazakhstan, due to ongoing renovations at Astana’s home stadium. Almaty, located 1,200 kilometres away from Astana, presents its own set of difficulties.
Temperatures are expected to plummet as low as -11 degrees Celcius (12.2F), and a five-hour time difference adds to Chelsea’s obstacles.
Enzo Maresca’s team made special travel arrangements, including an eight-hour direct flight to Almaty. To ease the strain, the team held pre-match press events and training sessions at their home base in Cobham before heading to Kazakhstan.
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What time is Chelsea kickoff vs. Astana?
The game will kick off at 8:30 p.m. local time in Almaty, which translates to 3:30 p.m. in the UK, and 10:30 a.m. ET in the United States. The early start is due to Kazakhstan’s freezing winter weather and the significant time difference compared to much of Europe.
The cold temperatures make evening matches almost unplayable. In past UEFA fixtures, Astana has hosted games early in the day for similar reasons.
This scheduling ensures the players can avoid the harshest cold, which can drop to dangerous levels during late evening hours.
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How cold is it in Kazakhstan?
Chelsea’s players will need to adapt to the bitter cold. Forecasts predict temperatures between -6 and -11 Celsius (21.2-12.2F) during the match.
While the game will take place on an artificial surface designed for such conditions, the weather will still be a major factor.
Kazakhstan’s climate has also shaped the scheduling of its domestic league. The Kazakh Premier League runs from spring to late autumn and concludes in November to avoid the harsh winter months.
For Chelsea, the match presents an opportunity to rotate the squad and give younger players a chance to shine. However, the extreme weather and unfamiliar playing conditions will test the team’s adaptability.
