This is a Chelsea predicted lineup for their Europa Conference League tie away to Astana. This match will kick off at the unusual time of 15:30 UK time, on December 12 and features a lengthy flight that’s sure to see most of the senior players left in England. Enzo Maresca will have to juggle things to keep his squad fit for the busy December while also staying competitive in this tie.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs Astana for UECL Clash
How Chelsea Have Lined Up Recently
Rob Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen have shared the goalkeeping duties. The back four has featured Marc Cucurella, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi, Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, Moises Caicedo, and Malo Gusto as started across the four positions.
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Caicedo has also played in a deep midfield role alongside Enzo Fernandez, with Romeo Lavia being the other option. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Cesare Casadei started in those roles against Heidenheim, but the latter is suspended for this one.
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Jadon Sancho, Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto, and Joao Felix have been the main wingers with Christopher Nkunku and Cole Palmer usually lining out in the middle. Nkunku has also started as a striker where Nicolas Jackson usually plays, with Marc Guiu getting minutes in European ties.
Chelsea Recent Form and Tactics
Maresca sets out in a control-focused 4-2-3-1 which shifts into a 3-2-4-1 or a 3-3-4 at times. One of the deeper midfielders moves up to join the attacking midfielder while one full-back inverts and the other tries to win back possession. It’s quite an attacking setup that often leaves the defence prone, as the full-backs have to get back quickly to fill the gaps.
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That said, when it works it strangles teams and recycles the ball with ease as the defensive midfielder and centre-backs can win the ball back from isolated attackers. It has worked very well recently thanks to some tweaks from the coach which has seen the team dominate possession much better.
It is now five wins on the bounce for the Blues who are undefeated in their last eight, they’re currently scoring goals for fun but continue to have defensive issues with clean sheets remaining a rarity.
Chelsea Absences to Consier
A large number of players did not train before this match so likely won’t make the trip. Based on a training video released by the club, the absentees are Palmer, Madueke, Sancho, Jackson, Lavia, Caicedo, Enzo, Gusto, Colwill, Cucurella, Badiashile, Fofana (who is injured anyway), Mykailo Mudryk (who has been ill), and the suspended Casadei.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs Astana
GK – Filip Jorgensen
LB – Renato Veiga
CB – Tosin Adarabioyo
CB – Axel Disasi
RB – Josh Acheampong
DM – Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
DM – Carney Chukwuemeka
AM Christopher Nkunku
W – Pedro Neto
W – Tyrique George
ST – Marc Guiu