After a successful [victory over Brentford](https://theprideoflondon.com/chelsea-2-1-brentford-blues-positives-and-negatives) at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, the Blues now turn their attention back to European football. In their sixth and final UEFA Conference League group stage match, Chelsea will host Republic of Ireland’s Shamrock Rovers on Thursday. Here’s what to look out for as the Blues aim to close the group stage on a high note.
A Chance to Make History
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Chelsea sit atop the Conference League group stage table and have already secured qualification for the Round of 16. A victory against Shamrock Rovers would see Chelsea complete a European competition group stage with a perfect record for the first time in the club’s history. This would mirror the Chelsea Women’s team, who achieved a similar feat earlier this week with a 6-0 record in their UEFA Women’s Champions League group after defeating Real Madrid.
The Blues have scored more goals than any other team in the competition. Shamrock Rovers, however, remain a formidable opponent as one of just three unbeaten sides left, alongside Chelsea and Vitória SC. Enzo Maresca’s men are on a 10-match unbeaten run across all competitions, having won their last seven games.
The Return of Nkunku and Félix
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Many key players were rested for Chelsea’s trip to Kazakhstan to face Astana, including competition top scorer Christopher Nkunku. João Félix also missed the game and the recent Premier League clash against Brentford. Both players are expected to return to the starting lineup.
With Nkunku and Félix currently not part of the Premier League starting 11, Thursday’s game is a chance for them to keep up their match sharpness and prepare for potential league involvement.
Opportunities for Young Talent
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Chelsea’s previous UEFA Conference League match showcased their confidence in youth, with four teenage starters and another three players coming off the bench. Marc Guiu, who started the last two games in the competition, is expected to lead the line once again as he aims to score for the third consecutive match.
With the returns of Christopher Nkunku, João Félix, and Cesare Casadei from suspension, opportunities for some younger players may be limited. However, Tyrique George is expected to retain his place in the starting XI. Pedro Neto, who featured against Astana while serving a Premier League suspension, could start again. In midfield, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is set to partner with Casadei to provide stability and creativity.
Josh Acheampong, who recently extended his contract through 2029, is likely to start in defense. If Benoît Badiashile has recovered from injury, he should pair with Axel Disasi at center-back. Marc Cucurella, suspended for Sunday’s Premier League match against Everton, is also expected to feature, allowing Renato Veiga—who played last Thursday—to stay fresh. Veiga, rested against Brentford, could still get some minutes off the bench.
Filip Jørgensen is expected to start in goal, with the Danish shot-stopper eager to secure a clean sheet and further justify calls from fans for him to start in the Premier League over Robert Sánchez. Academy players are likely to fill the bench as Chelsea's weekend starters are given a full rest.