Chelsea host Gent in their opening League Phase fixture in 2024-25 UEFA Conference League.
Victory will lift Astana into the seeded knockout play-off placings ahead of the evening kick-offs, whilst Chelsea will stay top with a win and all but secure their Round of 16 spot.
Team News
Astana have no fresh injury or suspension concerns with a full squad available for selection.
Chelsea could welcome Mykhailo Mudryk back into contention after he missed their 4-3 win at Tottenham, due to illness.
Wesley Fofana, Reece James and Omari Kellyman (all hamstring) are still ruled out, whilst Romeo Lavia and Cole Palmer are ineligible.
When is Kick-Off?
Astana host Chelsea at Almaty Central Stadium on Thursday 12 December at 8:30pm local time (3:30pm UK Time), live on TNT Sports 2 in the UK.
Stat Attack
- This is Astana’s first meeting against Chelsea in all competitions.
- Chelsea are facing Kazakhstan opposition for the first time in all UEFA competitions.
- Astana won their only previous home game against English opposition, which saw them beat Manchester United in 2019-20 Europa League’s Group Stage.
- Both of Astana’s two goals at home in the league phase came in the first half.
- Three of Christopher Nkunku’s seven goals for Chelsea in this season’s competition came away from home.
Prediction
With just two goals so far in the league phase but only four goals conceded, Astana need to produce more firepower if want a result but try not to leave their defence too open, so a balance will be needed.
Given the travel time involved in this fixture and their strong league position, it isn’t surprising that Chelsea have opted to leave several players at home and give young talent a run out.
Enzo Maresca’s Blues though should have enough quality to grind out a result against a well-rested Astana.
Prediction: Astana 0-2 Chelsea
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