Chelsea return to European action as favourites for UEFA Conference League glory. Up next is a trip to Copenhagen in the Round of 16.
When the Blues signed off their league phase campaign with a 5-1 win over Shamrock Rovers, they looked like potential contenders for the Premier League title.
However, Enzo Maresca’s side have won only four of their past 13 matches across all competitions, falling to fifth in England’s top flight and being dumped out of the FA Cup by Brighton.
Success in Europe might be the best way of salvaging Maresca’s first season in charge and the team he sends out in the Danish capital might look somewhat different to those he has fielded in the Conference League so far.
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Copenhagen vs. Chelsea lineups, confirmed starting 11, team news
Copenhagen boss Jacob Neestrup will make late checks on a host of players, with midfielders Lukas Lerager and Oliver Hojer doubts alongside attacking duo Andreas Cornelius and Roony Bardghji.
William Clem and Victor Froholdt are likely to start in central midfield, while Amin Chiakha is most likely to lead the line.
Copenhagen predicted lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Ramaj (GK) — Diks, Pereira, Garananga, Meling — Clem, Froholdt — Gocholeishvili, Elyounoussi, Achouri —Chiakha
Injured: Lerager, Hojer, Cornelius, Bardghji
Suspended: None
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Cole Palmer is among the first-team starts who were omitted from Chelsea’s league phase squad to allow for rest and rotation but the England attacker is back in the fold here and should start. Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke will sit this one out
Robert Sanchez has lost his place as first-choice goalkeeper to Filip Jorgensen but Maresca has confirmed the former Brighton keeper will start in Copenhagen.
Tosin Adarabioyo and Levi Colwill are likely to be the starting centre-backs with Benoit Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah sidelined
Chelsea predicted lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Sanchez (GK) — Gusto, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella — Fernandez, Caicedo — Neto, Palmer, Sancho — Nkunku
Injured: Chalobah (back) Badiashile, Jackson, Madueke, Guiu, Lavia (all thigh)
Suspended: None
Copenhagen vs. Chelsea live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this Conference League match across selected areas of the world’s major regions:
