Football
Chelsea return to European action, tackle Servette in second leg match
Chelsea return to European action on Thursday night as they take on Servette in the second leg of their Europa Conference League play-off.
Enzo Maresca’s side holds a 2-0 lead from the first leg in West London, and they head into the return clash in Switzerland with renewed confidence following a big Premier League win over the weekend.
The Blues are targeting a third consecutive win in all competitions, and optimism is high as Maresca looks to mold his expensive squad into a successful unit.
Chelsea, one of the favorites to win this year’s Europa Conference League, aim to become the first club to complete the current European set of trophies.
Maresca is likely to rotate his squad again, having made nine changes for the first leg.
Reece James remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, and Malo Gusto will also not be involved, which could provide an opportunity for Axel Disasi to start at right-back. Pedro Neto is excluded from the squad, while summer signing Joao Felix was not registered in time to participate.
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Midfielders Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia are doubtful after sustaining knocks during the recent 6-2 victory over Wolves, prompting a cautious approach, particularly for Lavia, who has struggled with injuries at Stamford Bridge.
Christopher Nkunku, who was dropped for the Wolves game, could return to the starting lineup, while summer recruits Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Tosin Adarabioyo, Renato Veiga, and Marc Guiu may also get opportunities.
Marc Guiu, in particular, will be looking to make amends for his missed chance against Servette in the first leg. Filip Jorgensen is expected to start in goal, with Maresca confirming that the 22-year-old will likely be Chelsea’s cup and European goalkeeper for the 2024/25 season.
Predicted Chelsea XI vs. Servette (4-2-3-1):
Jorgensen; Disasi, Tosin, Badiashile, Veiga; Fernandez, Dewsbury-Hall; Madueke, Nkunku, Mudryk; Guiu.
Match Details
The match kicks off at 7:30 pm on Thursday, August 29th. In the UK, it will be broadcast live on Chelsea TV, with a match pass available for £4.99.