Date: Thursday 19th December, 2024
Time: 9:00 pm
Stadium Stamford Bridge
Referee Willy Delajod (France)
Goal Scorer:
Team News
Chelsea
Chelsea were rocked by the news that Mykhailo Mudryk recently failed a drugs test, leading to a lengthy suspension that will keep him out of action for the foreseeable future. This development is a significant blow, as Mudryk had been a regular in Chelsea’s Conference League lineup.
With a Premier League clash against Everton on the horizon — a game that could see Chelsea temporarily leapfrog Liverpool to the top of the table — Enzo Maresca is expected to heavily rotate his squad for this fixture.
Benoit Badiashile will miss out due to a setback, leaving Tosin Adarabioyo to step up in the league match at the weekend. In light of this, young defender Josh Acheampong, who impressed against Astana last week, could feature again. Similarly, youngster Marc Guiu, who scored twice in Kazakhstan, is likely to replace Mudryk in the starting XI.
Maresca is expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation on the night. Filip Jorgensen will start in goal, offering a reliable presence between the sticks. In defence, Harvey Vale will feature at right-back, with Axel Disasi partnering with academy prospect Josh Acheampong at centre-back. On the left flank, Marc Cucurella provides defensive stability and support in attack.
The double pivot in midfield will include Cesare Casadei and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who will balance defensive duties with forward distribution. In the attacking midfield trio, Tyrique George will operate on the right wing, with Christopher Nkunku playing centrally as the creative playmaker, and Joao Felix occupying the left-wing role.
Leading the line will be Marc Guiu, the talented young striker who showcased his finishing ability with a brace against Astana last week.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Jorgensen; Vale, Disasi, Acheampong, Cucurella; Casadei, Dewsbury-Hall; George, Nkunku, Felix; Guiu
Shamrock
Shamrock Rovers will look to their in-form striker Johnny Kenny, who is currently joint-top scorer in the Conference League with five goals. The Celtic loanee has been in outstanding form, scoring twice in their crucial 3-0 win over Borac.
Kenny’s tally makes him the first Irish player to score as many goals in a European season since Robbie Keane in 2006/07. However, this match could mark his final appearance for the club, with Celtic expected to recall him in January following the end of the League of Ireland season in November.
The visitors have a nearly full-strength squad available, with the only absentee being veteran midfielder Rory Gaffney, who is ruled out due to injury. Manager Stephen Bradley is expected to stick with a similar lineup to the one that comfortably beat Borac, as the Rovers look to cement their place in the top eight of the standings.
Shamrock Rovers are expected to line up in a 3-5-2 formation, aiming to stay compact defensively while using their wing-backs to create width and provide service to the front two. Leon-Maurice Pohls will start in goal, commanding the backline. The central defensive trio will feature Roberto Lopes, Dan Cleary, and Lee Grace, who will aim to stay organised against Chelsea’s attacking threats.
In midfield, the wing-back positions will be occupied by Josh Honohan on the right and Darragh Burns on the left, both tasked with providing width while tracking back defensively. The central midfield trio will see Gary O’Neill, Markus Poom, and Dylan Watts operating as the engine room, with O’Neill expected to sit deeper to shield the defence, while Poom and Watts look to dictate play and support attacks.
Up front, Johnny Kenny will lead the line alongside Neil Farrugia. Kenny’s ability to find space and finish clinically will be vital to Shamrock Rovers’ chances, as he seeks to continue his stellar European form.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Pohls; Cleary, Lopes, Grace; Honohan, O’Neill, Poom, Watts, Burns; Farrugia, Kenny
Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Shamrock Rovers
| Posted: at | |
TRENDING GISTS 
Reps Passes For Second Reading 60-Year Age Limit Bill For Presidential, Gov Candidates
UK Govt Releases Details of Deceased Nigerians With Unclaimed Estates
Regina Daniels Reacts To Husband’s Heartfelt Post To Celebrate 6th Anniversary
Federal Court Blocks VeryDarkMan’s Arrest In Gospel Singer, Mercy Chinwo Case
Fake Madman Allegedly Caught With Phones, ATM Cards, Original Motorcycle Doc And Charm In Ogun