Team News

Chelsea
Enzo Maresca is expected to rotate his squad heavily for the Europa Conference League home opener, giving some key players a rest after a busy domestic schedule. Cole Palmer, who starred in Chelsea’s recent Premier League win, is not in the squad for this competition, meaning Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Joao Felix are likely to spearhead the attack alongside Mykhailo Mudryk, who all impressed in the cup win over Barrow.

Reece James remains the only player sidelined with an injury, while Romeo Lavia made his return last weekend after a six-game absence, bolstering the midfield options.

In terms of formation, Chelsea will likely line up in a 4-2-3-1 shape. Filip Jorgensen is expected to start between the posts, with Josh Acheampong, Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, and Renato Veiga forming the back four. Romeo Lavia could be partnered with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in midfield, providing a strong base behind the attacking trio of Pedro Neto, Joao Felix, and Mykhailo Mudryk. Christopher Nkunku is expected to lead the line as the lone striker.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Jorgensen; Acheampong, Disasi, Badiashile, Renato Veiga; Lavia, Dewsbury-Hall; Mudryk, Joao Felix, Neto; Nkunku

Gent
Gent have seen significant changes to their squad following the departure of key players such as Julien De Sart, Tarik Tissoudali, and Hong Hyun-seok during the summer transfer window. Additionally, Sven Kums will be absent for this match, while Andrew Hjulsager remains doubtful.

New signing Aime Omgba has yet to make his debut due to injury, adding to Gent’s injury concerns. Andri Gudjohnsen, the son of former Chelsea striker Eidur Gudjohnsen, may feature at Stamford Bridge after scoring off the bench in their recent win against OH Leuven. However, it is expected that English forward Max Dean, who has scored in back-to-back starts, will lead the line in this encounter, marking a return to his homeland.

In terms of formation, Gent are likely to field a 3-4-3 setup. Davy Roef will start in goal, with Stefan Mitrovic, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, and Jordan Torunarigha forming the back three. Noah Fadiga, Atsuki Ito, Mathias Delorge, and Archie Brown are expected to occupy the midfield. Up front, Omri Gandelman and Max Dean will provide the attacking threat, supported by winger Franck Surdez.

Probable Lineup (3-4-3): Roef; Mitrovic, Watanabe, Torunarigha; Fadiga, Ito, Delorge-Kneiper, Brown; Gandelman, Dean, Surdez
Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 KAA Gent