Copenhagen vs. Chelsea: Conference League Preview, Odds & Predictions

Thursday marks Chelsea's ongoing search for the Conference League title as they head to Parken Stadium to square off against Danish side Copenhagen in the opening leg of their round of 16 encounter.

While the Blues finished first with 18 points from a possible 18, the home side beat Bundesliga team Heidenheim 4-3 on aggregate in their round of 16 playoff encounter after finishing 18th in the league phase with eight points.

Previous Matches and Head-to-Head

Copenhagen lost the first leg 2-1 against Heidenheim on February 13 but progressed after their 3-1 victory in the second leg after extra time on February 20. They should be commended for generating six significant opportunities compared to the two of their German opponents.

With 40 points, the hosts are now first in the Danish premier division and have qualified for the championship playoffs. They will be looking to improve on their third-placed result in 2023–24.

Though it was the English team that emerged as 2-0 winners over two legs in their 2011 Champions League round of 16 battle, boss Jacob Neestrup's squad has met Chelsea twice in their history.

Having won three and drawn one of their previous four games, the Lions have only lost two of their last seven European games, so they will be optimistic ahead of Thursday's showdown.

Given they have lost just one of their nine most recent games at home, Copenhagen's record at Parken Stadium is outstanding—they have won six of those games.

Chelsea, who found the back of the net 26 times, were also the only club to achieve maximum points in the league phase.

Though they only kept two clean sheets in the six league phase games, Enzo Maresca's team scored four or more goals in four of their six games.

Though only six points separate third-placed Nottingham Forest and 10th-placed Aston Villa, the Blues remain in contention for a Champions League qualifying slot as they are fifth in the Premier League with 46 points.

In their most recent outing on February 25, Chelsea defeated Southampton 4-0; it was the first time they stopped their opponent from scoring in eight games.

Maresca's squad is in poor form; the club has conceded in three of their last four games in all competitions and has only won four of their last 13.

The visitors have been defeated in each of their past four away games by a total score of 10-3; they are winless in seven matches away from home—losing five.

Copenhagen x Chelsea Team News

While winger Jordan Larsson is scheduled to be out until mid-April, Copenhagen faces fitness concerns over forwards Andreas Cornelius and Roony Bardghji.

Behind attacker Amin Chiakha, expect Giorgi Gocholeishvili, Mohamed Elyounoussi, and Elias Achouri in supporting roles.

Having started their side's second-leg triumph over Heidenheim in a double pivot, midfielders William Clem and Victor Froholdt are expected to keep their positions, as Lukas Lerager and Oliver Hojer may not make the team.

Regarding Chelsea, they are missing several key players, including goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina and center-backs Benoit Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah.

Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez may play in midfield, while Tosin Adarabioyo and Levi Colwill are positioned in front of Filip Jorgensen.

However, striker Nicolas Jackson and winger Noni Madueke have been sidelined; their absences might mean Pedro Neto starts up front on Thursday, supported by Jadon Sancho and Christopher Nkunku.

Our Predictions

Chelsea to win & Over 2.5 goals @ 2.14 on Sky247.ng.

Given the poor form and defensive weaknesses of the visitors, Copenhagen will believe they can threaten Chelsea's backline.

The Blues should be regarded as big favorites given the talent at Maresca's disposal, regardless of their recent struggles. It would be rather unexpected if the hosts could overcome Chelsea.

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