By Alex Roberts
The 2 sides have by no means met in European competitors earlier than, with Enzo Maresca’s B-team needing only a level to make sure they’re within the subsequent spherical, as long as Vitória don’t beat Fiorentina by a 10-goal margin!
Shamrock Rovers received’t be pushovers, nevertheless, not solely do they boast the third greatest defensive document within the competitors, however the Dubliners are additionally considered one of three unbeaten sides remaining, alongside Chelsea and Vitória.
Lacking Mykayhlo Mudryk
Chelsea will likely be with out the fast Ukrainian winger for the sport towards Shamrock Rovers and the foreseeable future after he was provisionally suspended for failing a medicine take a look at. He, in fact, denies the allegations.
Mudryk had managed to search out some type within the Europa Convention League earlier than his newest setback, making six aim contributions of their earlier 5 video games, together with a shocking strike towards FC Heidenheim.
Maresca stays adamant that the winger nonetheless has a future on the membership however don’t anticipate to see him in a blue shirt any time quickly.
Johnny Kenny scores objectives
The younger Irish striker has been in excellent type, netting 13 objectives in 29 matches through the 2024 League of Eire season and including 5 objectives in 5 European appearances.
Kenny’s brace towards Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Borac Banja Luka places him on stage phrases with Chelsea’s £55 million man Christopher Nkunku within the race for the golden boot, whereas they each have a single help every too.
Regardless of who Chelsea play at centre-back, it can probably be the hardest night time of Kenny’s quick profession, however he definitely has it in him to trigger issues.
Again in from the chilly, Josh Acheampong
Acheampong had beforehand been frozen out at Chelsea, banned from enjoying for both the primary crew or the youth sides till his contract state of affairs was sorted.
The fitting-back has since made his return, incomes his first begin for the senior crew in Chelsea’s comfy 3-1 win over FC Astana within the earlier spherical and ended the sport as one of many membership’s stand out performers.
With a 94% go accuracy charge, 9 recoveries, and 6 floor duels received, it’s straightforward to see why Chelsea had been so eager to tie the teenager all the way down to a brand new deal.
Now that he’s dedicated his long-term future to the membership, anticipate to see extra from Acheampong.
Doing Irish soccer proud
Sitting in sixth with 11 factors from their opening 5 video games, Shamrock Rovers face the very actual chance of qualifying for the following spherical, marking the primary time a League of Eire membership has featured in knock-out European soccer.
They might have misplaced out on the league title to former Chelsea winger Damien Duff and his Shelbourne FC facet, however the Rovers could properly get the final snigger.
Prediction
Shamrock Rovers shouldn’t be judged on their efficiency towards the Premier League giants. That been mentioned, we’re going to go together with 4-0 to Chelsea.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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