Chelsea will hope to seize the advantage in the first leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League knockout clash vs FC Copenhagen.
Chelsea continue their pursuit of UEFA Europa Conference League success as they travel to Denmark to take on FC Copenhagen in the first leg of their Round of 16 encounter at Parken Stadium on Thursday night. The Blues, dominant in the league phase, will be aiming to carry their European form into this knockout tie, while the Danish giants look to extend their solid record at home.
FC Copenhagen had to battle through a two-legged playoff against Bundesliga side FC Heidenheim to reach this stage. After falling to a 2-1 defeat in Germany, Jacob Neestrup’s side turned the tie around with a 3-1 extra-time victory in the return leg, showing resilience and attacking intent by creating six big chances compared to their opponents’ two.
Domestically, the Danish side has been in strong form, leading the Superliga table with 40 points, having already secured qualification for the championship playoffs. The Lions have impressed on the continental stage as well, winning three and drawing one of their last four matches. Their home record is particularly formidable, suffering just one defeat in their last nine matches at Parken Stadium, winning six of those encounters.
Despite their strong recent run, Copenhagen will be mindful of their historical struggles against Chelsea. The two sides previously met in the 2011 UEFA Champions League Round of 16, where Chelsea secured a comfortable 2-0 aggregate victory. However, given the Blues’ recent struggles on the road, the Danish outfit will believe they have a real chance of taking an advantage into the second leg.
Chelsea were the standout team in the UEFA Conference League league phase, becoming the only side to finish with a perfect 18 points. The Blues also topped the scoring charts, netting 26 goals across six matches, averaging over four per game. However, their defensive record was less impressive, keeping just two clean sheets.
In the Premier League, Enzo Maresca’s side remains in contention for a UEFA Champions League qualification spot, currently sitting in fifth place with 46 points. A convincing 4-0 win over Southampton in their last match restored some confidence, but inconsistency has plagued Chelsea in recent weeks, as they have lost three of their last four in all competitions.
Their away form is particularly concerning ahead of this tie. Chelsea are winless in their last seven games on the road, losing five of them, including each of their last four by a combined score of 10-3. Given these struggles, a trip to Parken Stadium will be far from straightforward, especially against a Copenhagen side that thrives in home European fixtures. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Team News & Tactics
FC Copenhagen
Copenhagen will have to navigate this crucial first leg without key attacking options, as both Andreas Cornelius and Roony Bardghji remain fitness doubts. The absence of Jordan Larsson, who is not expected to return until mid-April, further limits their offensive firepower.
Despite these setbacks, manager Jacob Neestrup has several capable attacking players at his disposal and should go with the 4-2-3-1 formation. Giorgi Gocholeishvili, Mohamed Elyounoussi, and Elias Achouri are all expected to feature in attacking midfield roles, supporting striker Amin Chiakha, who will likely lead the line.
In midfield, William Clem and Victor Froholdt formed a solid double pivot in their decisive second-leg victory against Heidenheim. Given their impressive performances, they are expected to retain their places, especially with Lukas Lerager and Oliver Hojer unlikely to make the squad.
At the back, Copenhagen will look to keep things tight, with Kevin Diks, Munashe Garananga, Gabriel Pereira, and Birger Meling forming the defensive line in front of goalkeeper Diant Ramaj. With home advantage on their side, the Danish champions will rely on their disciplined structure and counter-attacking ability to trouble Chelsea.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Ramaj; Diks, Pereira, Garananga, Meling; Clem, Froholdt; Gocholeishvili, Elyounoussi, Achouri; Chiakha
FC Copenhagen vs Chelsea: Preview and Prediction.
Chelsea
Chelsea head into their Conference League clash with Copenhagen missing several key players due to injury and suspension. Benoit Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah remain sidelined, leaving the Blues light in central defence, while young goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina is also unavailable.
The attacking department is also depleted, as Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke have both been ruled out, forcing manager Enzo Maresca to rethink his forward line. As a result, Pedro Neto could be deployed as the central striker, supported by Jadon Sancho and Christopher Nkunku on the flanks.
In midfield, the duo of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez is expected to control the centre of the park, ensuring Chelsea dictate possession while shielding the defence. Their presence will be crucial in disrupting Copenhagen’s attacking transitions and allowing the team to maintain a structured buildup.
Chelsea will set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, aiming for defensive solidity while maintaining their attacking fluency. With Tosin Adarabioyo and Levi Colwill anchoring the backline, Maresca’s side will look to build out from the back with precision. Filip Jorgensen is expected to start in goal, providing a composed presence between the posts.
The full-back pairing of Malo Gusto on the right and Marc Cucurella on the left will be crucial in providing width while also tracking back against Copenhagen’s attacking transitions. Chelsea’s defence will focus on pressing high when out of possession, forcing errors from Copenhagen’s buildup play while keeping a compact shape to prevent counter-attacks.
In midfield, Enzo Fernandez will take up the role of a deep-lying playmaker, dictating Chelsea’s tempo and helping in ball progression. Alongside him, Moises Caicedo will provide defensive cover, winning duels and breaking up opposition attacks before they develop. Fernandez and Caicedo’s chemistry will be key in controlling the midfield, ensuring Chelsea do not get outmuscled by Copenhagen’s energetic pressing.
With Cole Palmer occupying the central attacking midfield role, Chelsea will look to exploit spaces behind Copenhagen’s defensive line. Palmer’s movement, combined with the dribbling abilities of Jadon Sancho and Christopher Nkunku on the wings, will be crucial in breaking down the opposition’s defence.
Pedro Neto will act as the lone striker, utilising his pace and agility to trouble Copenhagen’s centre-backs. Nkunku and Sancho will cut inside to create overloads, while the full-backs push forward to deliver crosses into the box.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Jorgensen; Gusto, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Sancho, Palmer, Nkunku; Neto
FC Copenhagen vs Chelsea: Preview and Prediction.
Key Stats
Chelsea were the only team to secure a 100% record in the Conference League league phase, winning all six matches while scoring 26 goals — the most by any team in the competition.
Copenhagen have lost just one of their last nine home matches in all competitions, winning six of those encounters, which includes a strong European run at Parken Stadium.
The Blues have struggled defensively away from home, losing their last four away matches across all competitions while conceding 10 goals in the process.
Chelsea and Copenhagen have met twice in European competition, both in the 2011 Champions League Round of 16, where Chelsea won the tie 2-0 on aggregate with a victory in Denmark and a draw at Stamford Bridge.
Copenhagen have scored seven of their last 10 European goals from set-pieces, an area where Chelsea have struggled defensively this season, particularly when defending corners and free kicks.
Player to Watch
Cole Palmer
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The young English playmaker has failed to consistently deliver in big moments, despite his vision, dribbling ability, and finishing prowess. However, Palmer was instrumental in Chelsea’s superb first half of the 2024/25 campaign, contributing with goals and assists, and he remains their most reliable attacking outlet.
With Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson unavailable, much of Chelsea’s attacking play will flow through Palmer, who is expected to operate in the No.10 role, just behind Pedro Neto. His ability to find pockets of space, link up with Christopher Nkunku, and exploit Copenhagen’s defensive vulnerabilities could be the key to unlocking the Danish champions at Parken Stadium.
Palmer’s set-piece delivery will also be crucial, given Copenhagen’s strength in aerial duels. If Chelsea are to take a first-leg advantage back to Stamford Bridge, Palmer’s creativity and clinical edge will likely play a decisive role.
Prediction
FC Copenhagen 1-1 Chelsea
Chelsea’s quality in attack, spearheaded by players like Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson, makes them favorites in this tie, but their defensive frailties and poor away form cannot be ignored. Copenhagen, with their solid home record and momentum from recent performances, will look to make life difficult for the visitors.
A closely contested match is expected, with FC Copenhagen having the potential to take advantage of Chelsea’s inconsistencies. A score draw seems like a likely outcome, setting up an intriguing second leg at Stamford Bridge. The Hard Tackle predicts a 1-1 draw.