Chelsea travel to Kazakhstan to face FC Astana in the Europa Conference League this afternoon in what is the Blues’ furthest-ever European away trip.
The West Londoners currently top the league phase after collecting maximum points from their opening four games.
Meanwhile, Astana sit just inside of the Round of 16 playoff places with four points from as many matches.
Renovation work on Astana’s ground has resulted in the club playing their home games at different stadiums this campaign, with the Kazakhstan National Stadium the venue this afternoon.
-14. 🥶 pic.twitter.com/WAZLJkvghk
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 11, 2024
Enzo Maresca has included a number of academy talent in his travelling squad with temperatures in Eastern Europe expected to plummet as low as -15.
Cesare Casadei is suspended for tonight’s game after the Italian was sent off for a second bookable offence last time out in Europe against FC Heidenheim.
FC Astana vs Chelsea – Match preview and team news
Form
Astana: WLLWD
The Europa Conference League is the only competition Astana are currently competing in with the Kazakhstan Premier League concluding at the start of November.
They finished in second place, only a solitary point off champions Kairat Almaty.
The Yellow and Blues commenced their European campaign in style as they edged out Serbian outfit TSC Backa Topola.
Since then, they lost to Welsh side TNS and Cypriot team Pafos FC before drawing 1-1 last time out with Liga Portugal side Vitoria de Guimaraes.
Grigori Babayan’s side were founded in 2008 and in their short history, they have won seven league titles and three Kazakhstan Cups.
Chelsea: WWWWW
The Blues have eased past all four of their opponents in Europe this term, including an 8-0 drubbing of FC Noah.
Their dominance sees them sit at the summit of the league phase with only Legia Warszawa also collecting maximum points.
Enzo Maresca’s approach to team selection in Europe has seen their squad refreshed for Premier League games. A decision that has seen the Blues thrive.
Together. pic.twitter.com/W28J0WmkU0
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 10, 2024
They currently lie in second place; four points adrift of league leaders Liverpool who have a game in hand.
Chelsea produced a stunning comeback at the weekend as they came from 2-0 down to win 4-3 at fierce rivals Tottenham.
Last Meeting: N/A
This is the first time that Chelsea have faced any club from Kazakhstan.
Predicted Lineups
Astana: Condric, Bartolec, Marochkin, Kalacia, Vorogovsky; Amanovic, Osei; Tomasov, Gripshi, Camara, Karimov.
Chelsea: Jorgensen; Acheampong, Disasi, Adarabioyo, Veiga; Rak-Sakyi, Dewsbury-Hall, Neto, Chukwuemeka, George; Guiu.
Who is the referee?
German referee Sven Jablonski will be the match official. He will be assisted by Lasse Koslowski and Marco Achmüller while Tobias Reichel will be the fourth official. The VAR will be Pascal Müller and he will be assisted by Katrin Rafalski.
What channel is FC Astana vs Chelsea on?
Chelsea’s trip to Kazakhstan will be shown on TNT Sports 2 and Discovery+.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off at the Ortalyq Stadium will be at 15:30 GMT on Thursday 12th December 2024.
Odds
Astana – 6/1
Draw – 15/4
Chelsea – 2/5
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