Astana vs Chelsea: 3 things to look out for

After four successive Premier League wins since the international break, Chelsea’s focus shifts to European football. The Blues will face Kazakhstan side Astana away in the penultimate match of the UEFA Conference League group phase. Here’s what to look out for:

1. What’s on the line

Chelsea have already secured qualification for the next stage and are the league leaders. A win on Thursday would guarantee direct entry into the Round of 16, avoiding the knockout-phase playoffs. It would also preserve their 100% win record in the group stage—a feat they’ve never accomplished. Enzo Maresca’s side currently leads the goal-scoring chart.

2. A Tough Challenge

The hosts, Astana, are winless in their last three group-stage matches and sit on four points, having won their opener. Despite being 24th in the table before this round, only six teams boast a better defensive record in the league phase. They are also unbeaten in their last 13 home matches across all competitions.

This fixture will mark Chelsea’s longest-ever journey for a European match, with the team traveling 5,606 kilometers—a journey of approximately eight hours. Temperatures are expected to drop below -10°C. Due to renovations at Astana’s home stadium, the game will take place at the Khan Tengri Stadium in Almaty, around 1,200 kilometers away from Astana.

3. Changes in the Team Lineup

As usual, Enzo Maresca is expected to rotate the starting XI. Given the travel distance and Chelsea’s confirmed qualification, several players might be rested. The Blues also face a critical Premier League clash against Brentford at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Notably, Chelsea have only beaten Brentford once in the Premier League, back in 2021, and are winless against the Bees at Stamford Bridge in league play.

Maresca has confirmed that Josh Acheampong will start on Thursday. The manager hinted that the contract disputes that sidelined the player are close to being resolved. Pedro Neto, suspended for Sunday’s game after accumulating five yellow cards, is also expected to feature. Meanwhile, Noni Madueke will not travel as stated by Maresca. Same for the non-registered players as well. Cesare Casadei will miss the match due to suspension following his red card against Heidenheim.

Several academy players participated in training ahead of Thursday’s game, with Tyrique George and Samuel Rak-Sakyi likely to make the trip. The academy side has an important FA Youth Cup fixture against Leicester on Friday.

Among Chelsea’s standout performers in this Conference League campaign, Mykhailo Mudryk could be absent. He missed the Tottenham game and subsequent training sessions due to illness. However players like Kiernan-Dewsbury-Hall, Tosin Adarabioyo, Carney Chukwuemeka, Axel Disasi should start.