Enzo Maresca celebrated after the win against Leicester, and is confident of another victory against FC Copenhagen at Stamford Bridge.
Image credit: The Chelsea Social
Chelsea head into their Europa Conference League Round of 16 second leg against FC Copenhagen on Thursday, looking to finish the job at Stamford Bridge after securing a 2-1 victory in Denmark last week.
A win or draw will see them advance, while Copenhagen will need a comeback to stay in the competition.
Chelsea’s Form & Home Advantage
Enzo Maresca’s side has been in strong form, winning all six of their Conference League matches this season.
Despite conceding late in the first leg, the Blues responded with a 1-0 Premier League victory over Leicester City, keeping their momentum alive.
At home, Chelsea have been dominant in the competition, winning four out of four (including qualifiers) with a combined score of 19-3.
The Blues have also suffered just one home defeat in all competitions since August—a 2-1 loss to Fulham on Boxing Day.
With the Premier League top-four race heating up, Maresca will want his team to wrap up qualification efficiently before facing Arsenal on Sunday.
Copenhagen’s Challenge
Danish champions Copenhagen face an uphill battle but have already shown resilience in this competition.
They overturned a one-goal deficit against Heidenheim in the knockout playoffs, winning 3-1 away.
However, history is against them—no Danish team has ever beaten Chelsea, and Copenhagen have never won an away match against an English side.
Their recent form is mixed, with just two wins in their last seven matches. They also lost ground in the Danish Superliga, surrendering the top spot to Midtjylland after back-to-back draws.
Team News & Lineups
Chelsea remain without Nicolas Jackson, Noni Madueke, Marc Guiu (all hamstring injuries), and Mykhaylo Mudryk (suspension).
Reece James and Malo Gusto will be assessed, while Cole Palmer, despite recent illness, is expected to start.
For Copenhagen, Andreas Cornelius, Lukas Lerager, Nicolai Boilesen, and Kevin Diks remain out, while Marcos Lopez (suspension) and Roony Bardghji (ACL injury) will also miss the match.
Expected Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Chalobah, Tosin, Badiashile, Gusto; Fernandez, Caicedo; George, Palmer, Nkunku; Mheuka.
Expected Copenhagen XI: Ramaj; Gocholeishvili, Garananga, Pereira, Chatzidiakos, Meling; Clem, Froholdt; Claesson, Chiakha, Achouri.
Prediction
Copenhagen are capable of causing problems, but Chelsea’s home form and superior squad depth make them clear favorites.
Expect the Blues to secure a comfortable victory and book their spot in the quarter-finals.
Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Copenhagen (5-2 on aggregate).