Chelsea head to the Danish capital to take on FC Copenhagen in the first leg of their Conference League last 16 tie on Thursday, and we’ve got the latest team news and lineups included in our match preview.
Copenhagen vs Chelsea Preview
English giants Chelsea travel to Denmark to take on Copenhagen in the Conference League last 16 on Thursday evening, where they’ll be looking to gain an advantage in the tie ahead of next week’s second leg at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues, who are favourites to win the competition according to the best football betting sites, ended the league phase with a perfect record of six wins from six, which ensured a first-place finish and direct qualification for the round of 16.
Results include a 4-2 win over Belgian Pro League side Gent, a 4-1 victory against Panathinaikos, a thumping 8-0 win over Armenian outfit Noah, a 2-0 triumph vs Heidenheim, a 3-1 win against Astana and a 5-1 success vs Shamrock Rovers.
Since finishing the league phase though, Enzo Maresca’s side have been incredibly inconsistent. Of their last 13 matches across all competitions, they have managed just four wins. Despite this, they come into continental play off the back of a much-needed victory, having overcome bottom of the table Southampton 4-0 in the Premier League last time out.
The first leg of our #UECL last 16 tie with Copenhagen comes next. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/2M01yASeg3
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 4, 2025
Copenhagen, meanwhile, ended the league phase in 18th place after recording two wins, two draws and two defeats, meaning that they had to prevail in the knockout phase play-offs before advancing to the last 16.
Drawn against Bundesliga strugglers Heidenheim, Jacob Neestrup’s side trailed 2-1 after the first leg. They managed to overturn the deficit in the second leg, triumphing 3-1 after extra time to seal a 4-3 aggregate victory.
The 15-time Danish Superliga champions are unbeaten in four since their first leg defeat, winning three and drawing one, with their most recent outing ending in a disappointing goalless stalemate away at Aalborg.
Copenhagen Team News
Talented youngster Roony Bardghji misses out for Copenhagen, as he continues his recovery from a cruciate ligament tear, and he is joined by Nicolai Boilesen, Andreas Cornelius and Oliver Hojer on the sidelines.
Jordan Larsson and Lukas Lerager are also reported as doubts for Chelsea‘s visit.
Chelsea Team News
As for the Blues, they are now able to call upon Cole Palmer. The England international was omitted from their squad for the league phase due to load management, but Maresca has added him to their list for the knockout stages.
Nicolas Jackson (thigh), Marc Guiu (thigh), Noni Madueke (thigh), Romeo Lavia (thigh), Benoit Badiashile (thigh), Omari Kellyman (thigh) and Mykhailo Mudryk (suspended) are all ruled out, while Trevoh Chalobah (back) is doubtful.
Copenhagen vs Chelsea Confirmed Lineups
Copenhagen Lineup:
Ramaj; Diks, Pereira, Hatzidakos, Meling; Clem, Froholdt; Gocholeishvili, Claesson, Achouri; Chiakha
Chelsea Lineup:
Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Adarabioyo, Badiashile, Gusto; Dewsbury-Hall, Caicedo; Palmer, Mheuka, George
Copenhagen vs Chelsea Prediction
As previously mentioned, the best betting sites in the UK heavily favour Chelsea to win the Conference League this season, so it should come as little surprise to learn that they are 8/13 favourites to come out on top on Thursday.
Bookmakers rate a draw at around 11/4, while a shock victory for Copenhagen is priced at 9/2.
We at SportsCasting, like most, are predicting a victory for the Blues at Parken to maintain their perfect record in the competition this term, but we don’t expect them to blow Løverne out of the water.
Prediction: Copenhagen 0-2 Chelsea
