Verdict: Marc Guiu to score anytime
Best Odds: 6/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Turning their attention back to Europa Conference League action on Thursday night, Chelsea will welcome Shamrock Rovers to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea
Starting with the hosts, claiming west London bragging rights last weekend as they secured a 2-1 victory against Brentford, Chelsea find themselves in the midst of a real purple patch. Currently sat just two points adrift of climbing to the top of the Premier League table, Enzo Maresca’s men have continued to receive a string of plaudits from across the continent. Last seen in Europa Conference League action landing a routine 3-1 win against Astana, the former Leicester boss finds his squad pencilled in as a leading European contender this season. In fact, Chelsea have won each of their first five group stage appearances by an aggregate score of 21-4. Now the only club in this season’s tournament that can boast a 100% record, Maresca’s side will simply be looking to make another European statement here. Riding a remarkable wave of momentum, Thursday’s hosts will certainly be smelling another golden opportunity in west London.
Chelsea Team News
All completely omitted from Chelsea’s Europa Conference League squad, the Blues will once again be without the likes of Jadon Sancho, Marc Cucurella, Levi Colwill and Nicolas Jackson. Likewise, attacking talisman and England international Cole Palmer will play no part at Stamford Bridge.
Bagging a European brace away at Astana last week, former Barcelona youngster Marc Guiu will lead the line in west London. Failing to make any kind of impact after arriving from Leicester over the summer, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall will get some more minuets under his belt.
Shamrock Rovers
As for the visitors, while Shamrock might have signed off the 2024 campaign with a flurry, the Irish giants had to settle for a silver medal finish. However, although the Rovers might have lost their Premier Division crown last month, Stephen Bradley’s men have enjoyed a real Europa Conference League charge. Last seen storming their way to a routine 3-0 romp against Bosnian outfit Borac Banja Luka, Thursday’s guests are unbeaten in each of their first five group stage showdowns. In fact, putting 11 points on the board, Shamrock find themselves sat in the driving seat to punch a famous knockout stage ticket. Nevertheless, pencilled in as a landslide underdog when they travel to west London, Bradley’s side have struggled to find much stability on foreign soil. Continuing on from their maiden Europa Conference League adventure during the 2021/22 campaign, Shamrock have recorded just a sole win from their last seven appearances outside of Dublin.
Shamrock Rovers Team News
Dealing with a long-term injury issue and not included in Shamrock’s Europa Conference League squad for this season, former Salford striker Rory Gaffney will not travel to west London. However, While Sean Kavanagh might have returned from a minor knock last week, the one-time Fulham youngster will settle for a spot on the bench.
Bagging a European brace against Borac Banja Luka last week and now notching six goals in as many appearances across all competitions, Celtic loanee Johnny Kenny will lead the line at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea vs Shamrock Rovers Key Factors to Consider
- Chelsea have won each of their first five Europa Conference League appearances by an aggregate score of 21-4.
- Likewise, the Blues have won each of their seven appearances across all competitions since returning from November’s international break.
- Chelsea have scored 14 goals in their first three Europa Conference League matchups at Stamford Bridge.
- Shamrock have collected 11 points from their first five European appearances this season.
- However, continuing on from their maiden Europa Conference League adventure during the 2021/22 campaign, Shamrock have recorded just a sole win from their last seven appearances outside of Dublin.
Conclusion
While Shamrock might be sat in the driving seat to punch a famous Europa Conference League knockout stage ticket this season, the Irish giants couldn’t have asked for a tougher challenge here. Winning each of their first five appearances by an aggregate score of 21-4, Chelsea are the only club in this season’s tournament that can boast a 100% start to proceedings. Likewise, notching 14 goals in their first three European appearances at Stamford Bridge, it is no surprise the Blues are pencilled in as a landslide contender on Thursday night.
Verdict: Marc Guiu to score anytime
Best Odds: 6/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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