Date: Thursday 12th December, 2024
Time: 4:30 pm
Stadium Almaty Central Stadium
Referee Sven Jablonski (Germany)
Goal Scorer:
Team News
FC Astana
The home side approach their crucial UEFA Europa Conference League encounter against Chelsea with a clean bill of health. Head coach Grigory Babayan has the luxury of a fully fit squad, with no injuries or suspensions affecting his selection. The team has also enjoyed a two-week break from competitive fixtures, ensuring they are well-rested and prepared to face the Premier League giants.
A similar lineup to the one that defeated Dynamo Kyiv is expected to take the field. Aleksa Amanovic, typically a defender, is likely to continue in a makeshift midfield role alongside Maks Ebong, providing stability and experience in the centre of the park. Chinedu Geoffrey, who has been in fine form this season with ten goals to his name, will spearhead the attack as Astana look to exploit their strong home record.
In terms of formation, Babayan is likely to stick with a 4-2-3-1 setup, with Josip Condric occupying the goalkeeper position. Karlo Bartolec will feature as the right-back, balancing his defensive responsibilities with attacking overlaps. Central defence will be marshaled by the pairing of Kipras Kazukolovas and Branimir Kalaica, while Yan Vorogovskiy is expected to line up at left-back, offering defensive solidity and support for forward runs.
The midfield will see Maks Ebong and Aleksa Amanovic forming the defensive pivot, tasked with protecting the backline and linking play with the attacking unit. Marin Tomasov, stationed on the right wing, will bring creativity and pace to the side, while Nazmi Gripshi takes on the central attacking midfield role, orchestrating Astana’s offensive play. On the left wing, Ousmane Camara will look to cut inside and create scoring opportunities. Up front, Chinedu Geoffrey will lead the line, aiming to add to his impressive goal tally this season.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Condric; Bartolec, Kazukolovas, Kalaica, Vorogovskiy; Ebong, Amanovic; Tomasov, Gripshi, Camara; Geoffrey
Chelsea
Chelsea will be without several key players for their trip to Kazakhstan, with a mix of injuries and squad ineligibilities affecting Enzo Maresca’s selection options. Wesley Fofana, Romeo Lavia, Cole Palmer, Ben Chilwell, and Marcus Bettinelli have all been omitted from the club’s UEFA Europa Conference League squad and are therefore unavailable.
Among these, Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia are also sidelined with injuries, while Reece James remains in the treatment room due to a hamstring issue. Cesare Casadei is suspended following his red card in Chelsea’s win over Heidenheim, adding to Maresca’s selection headaches.
There is also a question mark over Mykhailo Mudryk, who is recovering from an illness and will be assessed closer to kick-off. With these absences in mind, the Chelsea manager is likely to turn to a number of academy players to fill the gaps in his squad.
Enzo Maresca is expected to stick with a 4-2-3-1 formation, making use of both senior players and emerging academy talents. Filip Jorgensen is set to start between the posts as the goalkeeper.
The backline should see academy graduate Josh Acheampong could line up at right-back, with Axel Disasi and Tosin Adarabioyo forming the central defensive pairing. Diego Veiga is expected to occupy the left-back position, offering both defensive cover and attacking support.
The midfield double pivot will likely feature Samuel Rak-Sakyi, who impressed during the campaign, alongside Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, providing balance and control in the center of the park. In the attacking midfield trio, Tyrique George, who made his full debut in the 8-0 win over FC Noah, is set to feature on the right wing.
Christopher Nkunku, Chelsea’s talisman in the competition, will occupy the central attacking midfield role, with Joao Felix positioned on the left wing. Leading the line will be academy striker Roger Guiu, who has shown promise in recent outings.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Jorgensen; Acheampong, Disasi, Adarabioyo, Veiga; Rak-Sakyi, Dewsbury-Hall; George, Nkunku, Felix; Guiu
Prediction: Astana 1-3 Chelsea
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