Chelsea faces Danish side FC København in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League Round of 16. The return leg takes place at Stamford Bridge in a week's time. Here's what to look for as the Blues visit the Danish capital.
1. Chelsea’s Struggles vs. Their Conference League Dominance
Since December 16, Chelsea's form has been pretty terrible. They have won just four of their last 13 matches, a stark contrast to their performances earlier in the season.
In the Conference League, the Blues finished as the number one team among 36. They were the only side to win all their league phase games, securing a maximum of 18 points, four more than the second-best team. Enzo Maresca's side were also the competition's top scorers, and no team conceded fewer goals than them.
Ever since the teams were confirmed for this year's Conference League campaign, Chelsea have been the undisputed favorites to go all the way. However, their recent form suggests it won’t be as straightforward as it once seemed. They won their last game, which was in the Premier League, but it came against Southampton, the bottom-placed side.
The Blues have already been eliminated from both domestic cup competitions. Currently sitting fifth in the league, the Conference League represents their only realistic chance at silverware this season. After two trophyless seasons for the men’s team, the owners, fans, and players will all be eager to win this competition. Lifting the trophy would also make Chelsea the only club to have won all major UEFA competitions.