Chelsea Faces Copenhagen in UEFA Conference League Round of 16 Clash

COPENHAGEN, Denmark — Chelsea Football Club will begin its UEFA Conference League knockout stage by facing FC Copenhagen on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Parken Stadium. After dominating the league phase with a perfect record and scoring 26 goals, the Blues hope to carry that momentum into the round of 16.

Head Coach Enzo Maresca‘s team is looking to bounce back from a shaky start in 2025, where they currently sit fifth in the Premier League, after previously being second. Their European campaign resumes after a lackluster league performance and an early exit from the FA Cup. “Success in Europe might be the best way to salvage my first season,” Maresca said in a pre-match press conference.

The squad for the match has seen significant changes since Chelsea’s last European outing in December. The departures and injuries have severely impacted the availability of Conference League regulars, with stars including Nicolas Jackson, Noni Madueke, and Benoît Badiashile sidelined. “We have to adapt,” said Maresca about the lineup adjustments. “The key players missing will be felt, but we have faith in our squad.”

In goal, Robert Sánchez will make his first appearance in the Conference League. Notably, Sánchez has fallen behind Filip Jörgensen in Premier League duties and hopes to shine in this pivotal match. Along the backline, Malo Gusto, Josh Acheampong, and Tosin Adarabioyo will solidify the defense, while Marc Cucurella is expected to push through despite a lack of natural replacements.

In the midfield, Chelsea’s captain Reece James is set to start alongside Kiernan Dewbury-Hall, marking the latter’s return to European play. Maresca has hinted at an attacking approach, utilizing Christofer Nkunku, who netted five goals in the league phase, and Jadon Sancho, who is eager to regain his pre-injury form.

Copenhagen, managed by Jacob Neestrup, will also field a strong lineup, with midfielders Lukas Lerager and Oliver Hojer doubtful. They anticipate the contributions of players such as William Clem and Victor Froholdt to hold the midfield fort.

Chelsea’s probable starting XI is as follows: Sánchez; Gusto, Acheampong, Adarabioyo, Cucurella; James, Dewsbury-Hall; Palmer, Sancho, Nkunku; Mheuka. Meanwhile, the home team is likely to adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation.

As Chelsea prepares for the match, many fans are optimistic about the team’s prospects in this competition. “The squad may have changed, but we still believe we can conquer Europe,” said longtime Chelsea supporter Roberto Casillas.

The match will be televised in the UK on TNT Sports 4 and streamed on various platforms including discovery+ and Paramount+ in the USA.