Chelsea will be keen to strengthen their hold on top spot when they take on FC Noah on Thursday night.
Chelsea continue their UEFA Europa Conference League journey on Thursday evening as they host Armenian side FC Noah at Stamford Bridge. Enzo Maresca’s men have looked dominant in Europe so far, with consecutive victories over Gent and Panathinaikos, scoring four goals in each game. Now, the Blues aim to maintain their perfect record against competition debutants Noah, who are making their first-ever trip to England.
As one of the top contenders for the Conference League title, Chelsea have lived up to expectations in the opening matchdays. With comprehensive wins over two challenging opponents, Gent and Panathinaikos, the Blues have shown their strength across the continent, boasting the best goal difference among the teams with two wins. Maresca’s rotated side has looked sharp, efficient, and capable of handling any challenge in this competition.
After a 1-1 draw with Manchester United in the Premier League and with an important clash against Arsenal on the horizon, Maresca is expected to once again rotate his squad. Chelsea’s main players will likely be rested, with a focus on keeping them fresh for the Premier League, where the Blues are pushing to secure a top-four spot. Despite these rotations, Chelsea’s depth and quality make them strong favourites for a straightforward victory against Noah.
Noah’s journey to this stage of the Conference League has been nothing short of remarkable. Founded only in 2017, the Armenian club have risen through the ranks of European football, shocking established teams along the way. After overcoming Greek side AEK Athens and Slovak club Ruzomberok in the playoffs, Noah have achieved an unexpected feat by reaching the league phase.
Although Noah are underdogs, they arrive in London in good form, having scored 14 goals in four straight domestic wins. However, their away record in Europe raises concerns, with three consecutive away losses, including a recent defeat to Rapid Vienna on Matchday 2.
Their only positive away result came with a draw in Malta against Sliema Wanderers, making this trip to Stamford Bridge one of the toughest challenges they have ever faced. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Team News & Tactics
Chelsea
Enzo Maresca is expected to make a full rotation of the starting XI for Chelsea’s Conference League match against FC Noah, with several youngsters likely to get valuable minutes. Cole Palmer is nursing a slight knee issue after a rough challenge from Lisandro Martinez over the weekend, though he wouldn’t have featured here as he’s not registered for the European squad.
Pedro Neto’s recent performances in cup matches have earned him a spot in the Premier League lineup, and he may get some rest keeping one eye on the game against Arsenal this weekend. That is because Jadon Sancho, on loan from Manchester United, is recovering from illness and will remain unavailable this midweek.
In a probable 4-2-3-1 formation, Chelsea are expected to start with Filip Jorgensen in goal. In defence, Axel Disasi will likely take the right-back position, with Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile forming the central defensive partnership, while Marc Cucurella slots in at left-back.
In midfield, Enzo Fernandez and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall are expected to form a double pivot, providing both defensive cover and distribution. Noni Madueke is anticipated to start on the right wing, with Joao Felix in the central attacking midfield role, and Mykhailo Mudryk on the left wing. Christopher Nkunku is expected to lead the attack as the lone striker, bringing pace and creativity to Chelsea’s forward line.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Jorgensen; Disasi, Adarabioyo, Badiashile, Cucurella; Fernandez, Dewsbury-Hall; Noni Madueke, Joao Felix, Mudryk; Nkunku
FC Noah
FC Noah will be without left-back Gudmundur Thorarinsson, who was forced off early in their last European outing against Rapid Vienna. Midfielder Martin Gambos also remains sidelined due to injury. Forward Goncalo Gregorio, who has been in fine form with goals against AEK Athens and Ruzomberok in the qualifiers, as well as six goals in nine league games, will be aiming to make an impact in this game.
Goalkeeper Ognjen Cancarevic, who scored a remarkable goal from his own penalty area against AEK, will likely face a challenging evening, having already made six saves in each of Noah’s first two group matches.
In a probable 4-3-3 setup, Ognjen Cancarevic is expected to start as the goalkeeper. The backline will likely consist of Bryan Mendoza at right-back, Goncalo Silva and Sergey Muradyan as the central defenders, and Hovhannes Hambardzumyan taking up the left-back role in place of the injured Thorarinsson.
In midfield, Yan Eteki, Imran Oulad Omar, and Gustavo Sangare are expected to form a three-man unit, with Omar likely playing a more defensive role, while Eteki and Sangare contribute both defensively and offensively.
The front three will feature Helder Ferreira on the right wing, Goncalo Gregorio as the central striker, and Virgile Pinson on the left wing. Gregorio’s goal-scoring prowess will be crucial for Noah if they are to trouble Chelsea’s defence, while Cancarevic’s experience and shot-stopping skills will be essential against the Blues’ potent attack.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Cancarevic; Mendoza, Silva, Muradyan, Hambardzumyan; Eteki, Oulad Omar, Sangare; Ferreira, Gregorio, Pinson
Key Stats
- Chelsea have made an impressive start in the Conference League, winning both of their opening games comfortably with four goals scored in each match. This gives them the best goal difference among the teams with two wins and positions them as one of the favorites to win the competition.
- FC Noah have a poor away record in European competitions, with three consecutive away losses, including their recent defeat to Rapid Vienna on matchday two. Their only positive away result in this competition came with a draw against Sliema Wanderers in the qualifying rounds.
- FC Noah’s goalkeeper Ognjen Cancarevic has been tested frequently in the Conference League, making six saves in each of their first two matches. Given Chelsea’s attacking power, he is expected to be busy once again and will need to be at his best to keep the scoreline respectable.
- This is Chelsea and FC Noah’s first foray in the UEFA Conference League.
Player to Watch
Christopher Nkunku
Known for his agility, technical ability, and a keen eye for goal, Nkunku has the skills to unlock defences and deliver in crucial moments. Although he has been rotated to keep him fresh for the UEFA Europa Conference League duties, Nkunku’s impact when on the pitch has been undeniable.
Against FC Noah, Nkunku’s pace and creativity could prove to be the difference-maker. As Chelsea look to maintain their perfect record in the Conference League, Nkunku’s role in linking up with fellow attackers like Jadon Sancho and Mykhailo Mudryk will be key to breaking down Noah’s defence. His ability to make incisive runs and his instinct for finding space could lead to early chances for Chelsea, putting pressure on the visiting defence.
Prediction
Chelsea 3-0 FC Noah
Chelsea’s quality and depth, even with a rotated squad, should be more than enough to handle the challenge presented by FC Noah. Given the disparity in experience and talent, the Blues are likely to dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities.
Chelsea’s superior squad depth and European pedigree should secure a comfortable win, keeping their perfect record intact and edging them closer to knockout qualification. The Hard Tackle predicts a 3-0 win for Enzo Maresca and his charges.
