Prediction: Chelsea to win 2-1
Best Odds: 10/1
Chelsea and Servette FC will lock horns in UEFA Europa Conference League Qualfying this week. The first leg of the playoff tie between the Premier League club and the Swiss Super League team will be held at Stamford Bridge in London. The match will kick off at 8 pm UK time on Thursday.
Chelsea
Chelsea are one of the biggest clubs in the world and are one of the most successful in England. The Blues are used to winning the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League, but in recent seasons, things have not been great.
The Blues had a disappointing campaign last season and could not end up in the top four of the Premier League, just like they failed to make it into the UEFA Champions League the season before. Chelsea kicked off the current season with a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City at Stamford Bridge in London in the Premier League.
Chelsea fans will probably think that it is beneath them to play in the UEFA Europa Conference League. After all, it is the third tier European competition. However, playing in this competition gives Chelsea the chance to win a major European title and will also allow head coach Enzo Maresca to utilise his big squad.
Team News:
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca could line up his team in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Robert Sanchez could keep his place in goal despite a disappointing performance against Manchester City in the Premier League this past weekend. Malo Gusto, Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella will be the four defenders. Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo will be the two holding midfielders. Enzo Fernandez could be deployed as the number 10 and will have Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku on either flank. Nicolas Jackson will lead the line for Chelsea.
Servette
Servette are a massive club in Switzerland and are one of the most successful in the country. Les Grenats, who are the most successful Romandy club, have become the champions of Switzerland as many as 17 times. They have also won the Swiss Cup on eight occasions.
Les Grenats did not have the best of campaigns last season. Servette ended up third in the Swiss Super League. They will be keen on becoming the champions of Switzerland this time around.
Servette lost 2-1 on aggregate to Braga in their UEFA Europa League Qualifying round. After drawing the first leg 0-0 in Portugal, the Swiss side lost the second leg 2-1 to the Portuguese club in front of their fans. In the Swiss Super League this month, Thomas Häberli’s side lost 3-1 to FC Lugano away from home and were hammered 6-0 by FC Basel at Stade de Genève.
Team News:
Servette are likely to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Jeremy Frick will be in goal for the visiting team. Yoan Severin, Steve Rouiller, Bradley Mazikou, Keigo Tsunemoto, Alexis Antunes, Gael Ondoua, David Douline, Enzo Crivelli, Thimote Cognat and Theo Magnin all are likely to start.
Key Factors to Consider
- Chelsea have lost 4 of their 6 matches in all competitions.
- Chelsea have won 1 and drawn 1 of their last 6 matches in all competitions.
- Servette have won 2 of their last 6 games in all competitions.
- Servette have lost 3 of their last 6 games in all competitions.
- Servette have drawn 1 of their last 6 matches in all competitions.
Conclusion
Servette have a decent team, but Chelsea have a better side and have better players. While it is not going to be easy for the Blues to win the first leg of their tie, it is hard to see Enzo Maresca’s side slip up in front of their fans at Stamford Bridge. A narrow home win is the most likely outcome in this game.
Prediction: Chelsea to win 2-1
Best Odds: 10/1
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