Table of Contents
Chelsea have done well of late under Enzo Maresca, with the team currently going eight games unbeaten in all competitions. While the festive period can take its toll on teams, Chelsea’s decision to field almost separate squads for Conference League versus Premier League matches will ensure everyone is as fresh as possible to compete on both fronts. With a perfect four wins in four games so far in the Conference League, they could reach the knockout stages of the tournament if they can keep their cool during a trip to Kazakhstan.
Here are our storylines, how to watch the match and more:
How to watch and odds
- Date: Thursday December 12 | Time: 10:30 AM ET
- Location: Ortalyq Stadium — Almaty, Kazakhstan
- Live stream: Biggest+
- Chances: Astana +700; Sign +400; Chelsea-330
Storylines
Astana: These are tough games for every team. Astana have struggled to get going in Conference League play, but as things stand they could be in with a chance of securing a last-16 play-off spot. They are unlikely to get points at Chelsea, but if they stay calm at home anything can happen. .
Astana predicted XI: Josip Condric, Yan Vorogovsky, Branimir Kalaica, Kipras Kazukolovas, Karlo Bartolec, Max Ebong, Aleksa Arnanovic, Marin Tomasov, Nazmi Gripshi, Geoffrey Chinedu
Chelsea: Changes will have to be made at the midfielder after Cesare Casadei’s red card against Heidenheim, but The Blues must have sufficient depth to ensure this, even if it is a difficult away game.
Chelsea predicted XI: Filip Jorgensen, Renato Veiga, Benoit Badiashile, Tosin Adarabioyo, Axel Disasi, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Joao Felix, Mykhaylo Murdryk, Jadon Sancho, Christopher Nkunku, Marc Guiu
Prediction
The Blues are in complete control in Europe and this match will be no different. They score a goal in the first half and drive to an easy victory away from home. Choose: Astana 0, Chelsea 3