Chelsea is set to make a long-awaited trip from the UK to Kazakhstan this week as they face Astana in the UEFA Conference League. This match comes after a solid 2-0 victory over Heidenheim, allowing Enzo Maresca’s squad to maintain a perfect record in the competition. A win on Thursday will guarantee Chelsea a spot in the Round of 16, further solidifying their dominance in the group stages.
The Chelsea coach has implemented a rotation strategy throughout this European campaign, which is expected to continue, especially following the intense 4-3 victory over Tottenham in the Premier League. This has paved the way for fringe players to showcase their skills, while key players like Cole Palmer remain at home for rest.
On the other hand, Astana’s season has concluded, and they come into this match well-rested. Although considered underdogs, they are determined to make a mark against Chelsea, aiming to enhance their chances of qualifying for the knockout-round playoffs in early 2025.
Confirmed Lineups
Astana’s coach Grigori Babayan confirmed that his squad has minimal injuries due to their lack of competitive play. Here’s the expected lineup:
Astana XI (4-3-3): Seysen (GK) — Bartolec, Kazukolovas, Kalaica, Vorogovskiy — Ebong, Marochkin, Amanovic — Tomasov, Chinedu, Camara
Subs: Bystrov, Kuat, Ahanonu, Beysebekov, Osei, Astanov, Zarutskiy, Basmanov, Gripshi, Karimov, Condric, Zhaksylykov
Chelsea’s squad sees young defender Josh Acheampong making his debut in a lineup filled with fresh talent. The starting XI includes:
Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1): Jorgensen (GK) — Acheampong, Disasi, Adarabioyo, Veiga — Rak-Sakyi, Dewsbury-Hall — Neto, Chukwuemeka, George — Guiu
Subs: Dyer, Vale, Bergstrom, Olise, Merric, Ampah, Murray-Campbell, Wilson, Mheuka
Match Details and Coverage
Fans will have the opportunity to watch this intriguing encounter between Chelsea and Astana through various channels. In the USA, the match will be streamed on Paramount+, while viewers in Canada can catch the action on DAZN. UK fans can tune in on TNT Sports 2, and those in Australia can watch on Stan Sport.
Looking Ahead
This match promises to be an exciting event, with Chelsea aiming to maintain their winning streak and Astana looking to upset the odds. As the teams gear up for this crucial clash, fans are encouraged to stay tuned for live updates and expert insights.
