Chelsea's journey to Almaty, Kazakhstan, brings unique challenges as they prepare for their UEFA Conference League match against Astana on Thursday. The Blues, having already secured their last-16 playoff spot, will brave temperatures as low as -11°C at the Almaty Ortalyk Stadion, a temporary venue due to ongoing renovations at Astana's home ground.
Form guide and challenges
Chelsea arrive with an impressive Conference League record, having won all four matches while scoring 18 goals and letting in just three. Their victories include wins over KAA Gent (4-2), Panathinaikos (4-1), FC Noah (8-0), and Heidenheim (2-0). However, the team must overcome a demanding 7,000-mile round trip and a five-hour time difference.
Astana present a formidable challenge on home soil, maintaining an unbeaten record in 13 home matches this season with 11 wins and two draws. Their Conference League home form remains solid with five games without defeat, though they haven't played competitively for two weeks.
Team news
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca faces selection limitations due to multiple absences. Romeo Lavia, Cole Palmer, Wesley Fofana, and Ben Chilwell are unavailable, while Reece James continues hamstring rehabilitation. Cesare Casadei sits out through suspension, and Mykhailo Mudryk is recovering from illness but expected to play.
The circumstances open doors for academy prospects Tyrique George and Samuel Rak-Sakyi to start, alongside Josh Acheampong and Marc Guiu. Senior players Joao Felix, Axel Disasi, and Renato Veiga will provide experience to the young squad.
Predicted Chelsea lineup: Jorgensen; Acheampong, Disasi, Badiashile, Veiga; Dewsbury-Hall, Rak-Sakyi; George, Felix, Mudryk; Guiu
Astana's playoff push
The Kazakh side, currently ranked 23rd, aims to maintain their playoff position. Their group stage journey has been mixed, with a win against Backa Topola, losses to The New Saints and Pafos, and a draw with Vitoria de Guimaraes. Manager Grigori Babayan will rely on Geoffrey Chinedu Charles, who has scored 10 goals this season, and midfielder Aleksa Amanovic.
The match kicks off at 3:30 PM UK time (10:30 AM ET) on Thursday, December 12, 2024, with coverage available on TNT Sports 2 in the UK and Paramount+ in the US.
Despite Chelsea's favourite status and eight-game unbeaten run, including their recent 4-3 win over Tottenham Hotspur, Astana's strong home record and challenging conditions could make this a compelling contest.