Chelsea’s dominance in the UEFA Conference League continues as they aim to continue their league-phase campaign with a perfect record.
The Blues have already secured their passage to the knockouts with maximum points from their first five matches (W5).
Another win here would mark the first time in the club’s history they win 6 straight games in the group/league phase of European competition (although, the Chelsea women’s team achieved this feat for the first time in the club’s history after securing a win against Real Madrid away yesterday).
Enzo Maresca’s men enter this game in high spirits, having defeated Brentford 2-1 in the Premier League over the weekend to move within two points of the league summit.
Despite Maresca downplaying Chelsea’s title credentials, their form in both domestic and European competitions highlights their strength.
A rotated squad is expected, but given Chelsea’s depth and quality, they remain heavy favorites to add another win at Stamford Bridge.
For Shamrock Rovers, this marks an opportunity to make history.
While their prior record against English sides in Europe is unflattering (L4), they have impressed in this season’s Conference League, remaining unbeaten (W3, D2) and securing knockout football.
A surprise win here would guarantee a top-eight finish, although the odds are stacked against them.
Rovers have shown resilience on the road, going unbeaten in six consecutive competitive away matches (W4, D2).
Crucially, they’ve not conceded more than one goal in any of those outings, a defensive solidity they’ll need to maintain against Chelsea’s potent attack.
Players to Watch :
– Chelsea: Marc Guiu
The youngster has been a standout performer in this competition, with all three of his goals coming before the 20th minute, making him a key early-game threat.
– Shamrock Rovers: Johnny Kenny
Kenny continues to shine in Europe, becoming the first Irish player to net 5+ goals in a single season of a major European competition since Robbie Keane in 2006/07.
His form will be vital if Rovers are to pull off an upset.
Potential Lineups:
Chelsea: 4-2-3-1 – Jorgensen; Acheampong, Disasi, Tosin, Veiga; Casadei, Drewsbury-Hall; Neto, Nkunku, Felix; Guiu.
Shamrock Rovers: 3-5-2 – Pohls; Clearly, Lopes, Grace; Honohan, O’Neill, Poom, Watts, Burns; Farrugia, Kenny.
Note: Chelsea have scored first in all five of their Conference League games this season, with four of those opening goals coming inside the first 20 minutes.
Where to watch:
United Kingdom: TNT Sports
United States: Paramount+, ViX (with Sling TV)
Canada: Apple TV (CA)
India: Hot Star VIP, JioTV
Australia: Stan Sport.
Nigeria: SuperSports.
Score Prediction: Chelsea 3-0 Shamrock Rovers
Conclusion:
While Shamrock Rovers have shown promise, Chelsea’s quality and depth should prove too much for the visitors.
Expect the Blues to maintain their perfect record in style.
