Returning Players:
Keeping in mind the setting of the match, and the rotation which may have been triggered in its anticipation: we may expect to see Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer start the game.
We have coasted through our Conference League fixtures thus far, without really needing to lean on our most talented players, which might be about to change if Jackson and Palmer do both feature on Thursday, if fit.
Whilst we may watch nervously over the potential injury risks of our heavily congested fixture list, Legia Warsaw does demonstrate an excellent opportunity for the returning duo to rekindle their on-field bond. A goal for either or both of the two would do wonders for their self belief and could have an excellent impact moving forward.
The ideal outcome of the game is that we can dominate the game, without having to exert unnecessary effort in doing so. The four-day turnover since facing Brentford will be taxing on the entire squad, simply considering travel time amongst other factors. However, a convincing win against Legia would undoubtedly return some positivity to the team and supporters.
A goal would be an enormous benefit for Palmer, who has uncharacteristically snatched at a few chances of late. An outing against a lesser opponent could allow our talisman to get his swagger back, and use Legia Warsaw as a springboard to return to full confidence and hit form at a crucial point in the season.
All in all, let’s look forward to a quarter-final in a European competition, at a ground that will provide a spectacle, against a team that could be used to galvanise some team spirit and return Chelsea to winning ways.