Chelsea face Real Betis in the final of the UEFA Conference League in Wroclaw, Poland on Wednesday.
The Blues are already in a celebratory mood after securing UEFA Champions League qualification for next season following a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest on the final day of the Premier League season on Sunday.
Now, Enzo Maresca will attempt to end his first season in charge of the team with a European trophy. This will undoubtedly be Chelsea’s toughest test in this tournament, though.
Betis finished sixth in La Liga in 2024/25 and have shown themselves capable of going toe-to-toe with the biggest clubs this season. They drew twice with league champions Barcelona and defeated Real Madrid at home.
This game will pit Maresca against Manuel Pellegrini, the former Manchester City manager who is considered a hugely important figure by the Chelsea boss in terms of his coaching career.
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Real Betis vs. Chelsea lineups: UEFA Conference League final starting 11
Betis headed to Poland on Monday with several first-team players at risk of missing the game through injury, but many of them are available in some capacity.
USMNT midfielder Johnny Cardoso has passed fit as has right-back youssouf Sabaly, while Giovani Lo Celso can only make the bench due to a muscle strain, as is goalkeeper Fran Vietes as well. Former Liverpool goalkeeper Adrian has been called upon to start in net with Vietes not fully fit.
Ezequiel Avila misses out due to a hamstring problem, while Diego Llorente, Marc Roca, and former Arsenal full-back Hector Bellerin are all out of action as well.
Manchester United loanee Antony and Spain star Isco, both rewarded with national team recalls this week, will likely provide the biggest threat to Chelsea’s rearguard.
Real Betis starting lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Adrian (GK) — Sabaly, Bartra, Natan, R. Rodriguez — Cardoso, Fornals — Antony, Isco, Ezzalzouli — Bakambu.
Injured: Bellerin (hamstring), Llorente (muscular), Roca (foot), Avila (hamstring).
Suspended: None
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Chelsea will have striker Nicolas Jackson available, the Senegal international having been sidelined in the Premier League due to a suspension, and he starts up front.
Maresca otherwise has a strong squad to choose from, so he will need to decide whether to stick largely with the team that won at Forest last weekend or reward some of his Conference League regulars from this season with a start in the final.
Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu are both suffering from injuries but are each available as part of the substitute options off the bench.
Chelsea starting lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Jorgensen (GK) — James, Adarabioyo, Badiashile, Cucurella — Caicedo, Dewsbury-Hall — Madueke, Palmer, Sancho — Jackson
Injured: Fofana (hamstring), Kellyman (hamstring).
Suspended: None
Real Betis vs. Chelsea: UEFA Conference League live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this match across selected areas of the world’s major regions:
