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BRE
Chelsea’s quest for European glory continues on Thursday evening as they host Swiss side Servette at Stamford Bridge for the first leg of their UEFA Conference League playoff.
The fixture promises to be an intriguing encounter as Chelsea seek to build a strong foundation for the return leg.
Chelsea, under the stewardship of Enzo Maresca, are looking to rebound from a disappointing Premier League start where they fell 2-0 to Manchester City.
El Merreikh Bentiu coach has defended time-wasting tactics in CAF Champions League win over Gor Mahia.
The Conference League provides an opportunity to gain momentum and integrate new signings into the squad. Maresca is expected to make significant changes to his line-up, potentially giving debuts to up to five new signings, which will add a fresh dynamic to Chelsea’s play.
The most notable absentee for Chelsea is winger Raheem Sterling. Sterling, who was surprisingly omitted from the Premier League opener against City, will not feature against Servette.
K'Ogalo have been left with a mountain to climb ahead of the return leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary round.
This absence, coupled with the exclusion of Ben Chilwell, Wesley Fofana, and Tosin Adarabioyo, indicates a period of transition and adjustment at Stamford Bridge.
Sterling’s omission was confirmed by Maresca on Wednesday when he said the winger does not have a future at Stamford Bridge as the tactician «prefers other wingers.»
Marc Cucurella is also a doubt after being substituted with a potential knee injury against Manchester City last weekend.
Gor Mahia midfielder Alpha Onyango aims for CAF Champions League success with new coach and revamped squad against Al Merreikh Bentiu.
The Spaniard’s availability for Thursday’s match remains uncertain, but he has been included in the 21-man squad. Reece James is still recovering from a hamstring injury and is unlikely to feature, although he remains part of Chelsea’s squad for this European tie.
With several key players missing, Maresca is expected to field a significantly altered lineup. Filip Jorgensen is likely to make his debut in goal, replacing Robert Sanchez.
In defence, Maresca may opt for a back four of Malo Gusto, Benoit Badiashile, Renato Veiga, and Marc Cucurella, if fit, otherwise, Ian Maatsen could step in.
In midfield, Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, and Enzo Fernandez could be joined by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who may replace one of the trio to add fresh legs and creativity.
On the flanks, Pedro Neto could be given his first start, with Cole Palmer also expected to play a role.
Matchday one of Serie A had more draws than won or lost matches as the top teams look forward to thrilling clashes this weekend.
Upfront, Nicolas Jackson, who was fit to start against City, might be replaced by either Christopher Nkunku or new signing Marc Guiu.
Chelsea possible starting lineup: Jorgensen; Gusto, Badiashile, Veiga, Cucurella; Fernandez, Lavia; Palmer, Dewsbury-Hall, Neto; Guiu