Chelsea make the long trip to Kazakhstan as they take on Astana on Thursday afternoon.
The Blues face an eight-hour flight and temperatures that could drop below minus-ten degrees for an away day Enzo Maresca could do without.
Chelsea, though, can afford to rotate, having won their first four Conference League matches to already leave themselves on the verge of securing a place in the last-16.
Astana, meanwhile, sit down in 23rd in the league-phase table and were beaten 2-0 by Welsh side TNS in their last Conference League match.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Astana vs Chelsea is scheduled for 3:30pm BST kick-off on Thursday, December 12, 2024.
The match will take place at the Almaty Ortalyk Stadium, as the hosts’ main stadium is undergoing renovation.
Where to watch Astana vs Chelsea
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on TNT Sports.
Live stream: Fans can catch the contest live online via the Discovery+ app and website.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog.
Astana vs Chelsea team news
Maresca has confirmed that Josh Acheampong will make the squad and is likely to start against Astana, for what would be his full debut.
Cesare Casadei is suspended after he was sent off against Heidenheim last time out, while Mykhailo Mudryk missed training on Wednesday as he continues to battle illness.
Noni Madueke is among the first-team players expected to stay behind in London.
Suspended: Cesare Casadei will miss the trip to Kazakhstan
Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Astana vs Chelsea prediction
Chelsea will be confident of extending their perfect Conference League record, even with a youthful and rotated side.
The temperatures will ensure it is not a comfortable night for the Blues, regardless of the result, but they should prove too strong for their hosts.
Chelsea to win, 2-1
Astana vs Chelsea (h2h) history and results
This will be the first competitive match between the two sides.
Astana vs Chelsea match odds
Astana: 7/1
Draw: 7/2
Man City: 1/4
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
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