By Ian King
Current kind
Shedding to Brighton within the FA Cup made the Europa Convention League Chelsea’s solely hope of silverware this season, and so they’re nonetheless the odds-on favourites to win this event general. However current kind has been combined, with West Ham, Wolves and Southampton (fifteenth, seventeenth and twentieth within the Premier League respectively) the one groups they’ve overwhelmed within the League since earlier than Christmas.
FC København are high of the Superliga by a degree and haven’t misplaced domestically because the 14th September, although it ought to be added that the Danish season has a two and a half month winter break. They completed 18th within the Europa Convention League megagroup, profitable 2, drawing 2 and shedding 2.
European pedigree
These two have solely met as soon as in European competitors earlier than. Within the 2010/11 Champions League Spherical of 16, they performed a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge earlier than Chelsea received the return match 2-0 in Copenhagen. FC København received by to the Spherical of 16 of the Champions League final season too, qualifying alongside Bayern Munchen whereas eliminating Galatasaray and Manchester United. They had been overwhelmed by Manchester Metropolis. Chelsea received the Champions League in 2021. How they received from this to being on this competitors within the area of 4 years is a protracted and sophisticated story.
Key gamers
Cole Palmer has been the glue that has held this Chelsea group collectively this season. He’s their joint-highest scorer, however he was ignored of their squad for the group phases. He’s again in now. Christopher Nkunku is the opposite joint-top scorer with Palmer as a result of he’s scored seven on this very competitors. He’s been coming in for lots of criticism, maybe a giant efficiency in a better profile European match may silence a few of that.
FC København have an English connection within the type of goalkeeper Nathan Trott, who’s on mortgage from West Ham. He performed six video games for England’s U20s, and in addition represented Bermuda at youth degree.
Crew Information
Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana and Benoît Badiashile are all near coming back from damage, however could not fairly be prepared in time. Enzo Maresca could effectively err on the aspect of warning for a winnable-looking European match equivalent to this. Their different accidents are long term.
Andreas Cornelius, Lukas Lerager, Nicolai Boilsen and Roony Bardghji are all damage doubts for FC København, whereas Jordy ‘Son of Henrik’ Larsson missed their final match at Aalborg, and it’s not recognized whether or not he’ll be again for this one.
Prediction
Chelsea have been struggling within the Premier League since earlier than Christmas, however the Europa Convention League has been their joyful place. With six wins out of six within the megagroup, they’re clear favourites to win this event. FC København beat Manchester United 4-3 at residence in final yr’s Champions League, however the gulf is large and the inclusion of Cole Palmer alone a possible game-changer. 2-0 Chelsea, and a fairly uneventful night.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
You’ll be able to observe each sport from the Europa Convention League with FotMob this season — that includes deep stats protection, xG, participant scores, and a brand new super-intuitive knockout stage bracket. Obtain the free app right here.