Chelsea Lineup Prediction: FC Noah (Conference League)
Chelsea will be looking to kickstart their UEFA Conference League campaign with a resounding victory against Armenian side FC Noah on Thursday. With a number of key players unavailable, manager Mauricio Pochettino will likely rotate his squad to give valuable game time to fringe players and those returning from injury. Here's a predicted lineup for the Blues:
Chelsea's Predicted Starting Lineup (4-3-3):
Goalkeeper:
- Robert Sánchez: The Spanish goalkeeper, recently signed from Brighton, is likely to get his first start for the club. He'll be eager to impress and stake his claim as the long-term solution in goal.
Defense:
- Malo Gusto: The young French defender is making a strong impression at right-back. This match will provide him with another opportunity to solidify his position.
- Levi Colwill: The young center-back, on loan from Chelsea, will be looking to continue his impressive form in the heart of the defense.
- Trevoh Chalobah: The experienced defender will offer stability alongside Colwill, helping to guide the younger players in the backline.
- Ben Chilwell: Chilwell's return from injury adds a wealth of experience and attacking threat to the left-back position.
Midfield:
- Conor Gallagher: The energetic midfielder will look to dictate the tempo of the game, driving the ball forward and creating chances for his teammates.
- Enzo Fernández: The Argentine midfielder, a key signing in the summer, will bring his composure and passing range to the middle of the park.
- Carney Chukwuemeka: The young English midfielder will be looking to showcase his talents and make a case for more regular appearances.
Attack:
- Mykhailo Mudryk: The Ukrainian winger will be hoping to rediscover his form after a slow start to life in England.
- Noni Madueke: The talented winger, recently signed from PSV Eindhoven, will look to bring pace and directness to the attack.
- Nicolas Jackson: The summer signing from Villarreal will lead the line, looking to build on his positive start to his Chelsea career.
Key Considerations:
- Rotation: With Chelsea facing a busy schedule, Pochettino is likely to rotate his squad significantly for this game. Expect to see a number of fringe players given opportunities.
- Returning players: The likes of Chilwell, Jackson, and Madueke are returning from injuries and will be looking to prove their fitness.
- Match fitness: This game provides a valuable opportunity for players to gain match fitness and sharpness ahead of the Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest.
Conclusion:
Despite facing a relatively unknown opponent in FC Noah, Chelsea will be taking this match seriously. The Blues are aiming to get their European campaign off to a strong start, and with a talented squad, they are well equipped to achieve that goal. The predicted lineup highlights the manager's focus on integrating young players and giving opportunities to those who have been sidelined due to injury.
This Conference League fixture is a chance for Chelsea to experiment, build momentum, and start their European journey on a positive note.