Chelsea face Shamrock Rovers at Stamford Bridge in just under an hour, and the teams are in!
It’s the final game of the league phase of the Conference League and the first time the Blues have faced Irish opposition.
Chelsea are the only side still to have a 100% record after beating Astana in Kazakhstan last week, but Shamrock are yet to lose in the competition this season, with three wins and two draws from their five games.
With a trip to Everton on Sunday Enzo Maresca has shuffled the pack as has been the case throughout the Conference League campaign.
Filip Jorgensen starts in goal and has an opportunity to put pressure on Robert Sanchez for the number one shirt, but there are changes in the backline from Sunday’s win against Brentford with Axel Disasi, Renato Veiga and Josh Acheampong coming in.
Josh Acheampong signs new Chelsea contract. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
Acheampong signed a new contract earlier this week. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
Marc Cucurella keeps his place as he’s suspended for the weekend after being sent off against Brentford, whilst in midfield Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall starts, with Cesare Casadei back from suspension after being sent off against Heidenheim.
Marc Guiu keeps his place up front after scoring twice against Astana, whilst Noni Madueke, Tyrique George and Christopher Nkunku complete the attacking quartet.
It’s a strong line-up for the Blues and it’s perhaps surprising to see Madueke play, but given the absence of Mykhailo Mudryk you can see why he’s been picked.
The bench is really strong with the likes of Joao Felix, Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho in reserve and there’s also five academy players who might get an opportunity.
It’s another big night for Acheampong and George, who were officially welcomed into the first team squad this week, and it caps off a great week for the right back who signed a new deal on Wednesday.
More Stories / Latest News
A generic interior view of Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart watch Chelsea in action.
Gary Neville on the touchline at Chelsea.
The Blues have more than enough to beat Shamrock, but it’s important they are fully focused and respect the opposition, but there shouldn’t be too many problems tonight.
Here are the full team line-ups for Chelsea vs Shamrock Rovers (kick off at 20:00 GMT)
Chelsea:
Tonight’s XI. 📋🔵#CFC | #UECL pic.twitter.com/mAddY17mMJ
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 19, 2024