By 90min | Created at 2024-11-07 17:33:08 | Updated at 2024-11-15 07:43:26
1 week ago
Chelsea face Armenian opposition for the first time on Thursday night as they embrace the true meaning of the Europa Conference League.
Having already shrugged off Belgian outfit Gent and Greek giants Panathinaikos, Chelsea are now tasked with defeating surprise qualifiers FC Noah. The Armavir-based side were only formed in 2017 and a trip to Stamford Bridge is the highlight of their club's seven-year history.
The Blues will make significant changes for the arrival of the minnows, as they have done in their previous Conference League fixtures, but should have no issues sweeping Noah aside to retain their status as league phase table toppers.
Here is how Chelsea could line up against Noah on Thursday.
Christopher Nkunku has dazzled in Chelsea's second XI / Visionhaus/GettyImages
GK: Filip Jorgensen - Another shaky performance from Robert Sanchez at the weekend has strengthened Jorgensen's hand once again. The summer signing continues to sit second in the pecking order but will be eyeing the number one jersey.
RB: Renato Veiga - The versatile youngster has largely been limited to appearances in the cup competitions and has impressed in his outings on the continent. Veiga scored and assisted in the 4-2 win over Gent - Chelsea's last home European match.
CB: Axel Disasi - Having endured an evening to forget in which he produced a comical own goal in the Carabao Cup fourth round, Disasi should still return to the starting lineup as Maresca rings the changes.
CB: Benoit Badiashile - Despite failing to keep a clean sheet in Chelsea's first two league phase matches, Badiashile has produce some commanding performances in the heart of the defence.
LB: Marc Cucurella - Cucurella has struggled to make an immediate impression on Maresca - well, a positive one. The Spaniard was a European Championship winner over the summer but has fallen behind right-back Malo Gusto in the Italian manager's rankings.
DM: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall - A manager's favourite during their spell at Leicester City, Dewsbury-Hall has been nothing more than a bit-part player for the Blues under Maresca as Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia anchor the midfield efficiently.
DM: Enzo Fernandez - Much like his midfield partner on Thursday, Fernandez has struggled to usurp Caicedo and Lavia. The 23-year-old is unlikely to start against Arsenal at the weekend, instead being utilised against inferior opposition in Europe.
RW: Tyrique George - The highly-rated academy graduate featured from the bench in the victories over Gent and Panathinaikos but could be promoted to the starting XI following doubts over Jadon Sancho's fitness. While usually a left winger, the 18-year-old may swap sides to facilitate Mykhailo Mudryk.
AM: Joao Felix - Felix has thrived in the cup competitions as he continues to be overlooked in the Premier League. The 23-year-old scored a brace in Greece in Chelsea's last European outing.
LW: Mykhailo Mudryk - The Ukrainian has saved his best football for the Conference League this season and he will expect to add to his eight Chelsea goals when Noah visit Stamford Bridge. He produced a goal and two assists against Panathinaikos.
ST: Christopher Nkunku - Nkunku has led the line for Chelsea's second XI this season and has done an admirable job, forcing Nicolas Jackson to maintain his excellent form. He has eight goals in 15 appearances in 2024/25.
