Chelsea's predicted XI vs Shamrock Rovers
Chelsea's predicted XI vs Shamrock Rovers
Chelsea have the chance to end the Conference League league phase with a 100% winning record when they take on Irish side Shamrock Rovers later today.
A 2-1 win against Brentford made it seven wins in a row for Chelsea in their last outing, with another Liverpool draw meaning the Blues currently sit two points off top spot in the Premier League table. With Enzo Maresca's side kicking off before the Reds on the weekend, they could find themselves top of the league, but for now, attention turns to the Conference League, where a first-place finish is up for grabs.
A 3-1 win against Astana last time out ensured Chelsea's qualification to the knockout stages, but a win later today would secure a 100% winning record in the Conference League, as well as top spot. Shamrock Rovers will be desperate for three points though, with a win securing the Irish side's spot in the knockout stages.
So, can Chelsea make it six wins from six in the Conference League later today? Let's take a look.
We simulated Chelsea vs Shamrock Rovers to get a score prediction
To complete this simulation, we used EA FC 25 and updated the squads with the latest injuries, suspensions and transfers.
We predict that Chelsea could set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with their line-up as follows: Jorgensen; Acheampong, Disasi, Tosin, Veiga; Dewsbury-Hall, Casadei; Neto, Nkunku, George; Guiu.
We predict that the Irish side could set up in a 3-5-2 formation, with their line-up as follows: Pohls; Cleary, Lopes, Grace; Honohan, O'Neil, Poom, Watts, Burns; Farrugia, Kenny.
It didn't take long for Chelsea to get going at Stamford Bridge, with Marc Guiu grabbing his fourth goal of the season as he poked Pedro Neto's cross through the legs of the 'keeper to make it 1-0 in the third minute. After going ahead, the Blues continued to dominate, and with 15 minutes on the clock, Tyrique George got on the scoresheet for Maresca's side for the first time.
A poor touch from Daniel Cleary allowed George to collect the ball from the feet of the Hoops defender just inside the visitor's half, and the winger used his pace to burn away from the opposition. One-on-one, George showed great composure to fire past the 'keeper at the near post, doubling the lead for Chelsea.
Just before the break, the Blues made it 3-0, and it came with a hint of Irish luck as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's curling effort deflected off the heel of Roberto Lopes, sending the keeper the wrong way as the long-range effort rolled into an empty net. Three goals down, Shamrock Rovers were out of hope, allowing Chelsea to extend their lead in the second half.
Christopher Nkunku showcased some incredible skill as he weaved his way into the box on the left, and his cut-back was tapped home by Dewsbury-Hall to make it 4-0 just after the restart. Moments later, Guiu grabbed his second as the Blues scored a fifth, with the Spaniard holding off his marker before curling into the top corner from close range.
Maresca made a handful of changes after the fifth goal, but no more goals were scored as Chelsea eased their way to first place in the Conference League league phase.
EA FC 24 predicted final score: Chelsea 5-0 Shamrock Rovers
What do you think the final score will be? Let us know in the comments!