Chelsea’s Europa Conference League campaign continues on Thursday, but their trip to FC Copenhagen comes at a tricky time.
Despite being favourites for the competition, their recent form suggests this will be anything but a straightforward tie.
Enzo Maresca’s side dominated the group stage, winning all six matches and scoring 26 goals. That attacking firepower makes them a threat, but their defensive issues have been a constant problem.
They have only kept two clean sheets in Europe this season and ended an eight-game run without one in all competitions with their 4-0 win over Southampton.
That result was a rare bright spot in what has been a tough period. Chelsea have lost three of their last four matches and won just four of their last 13.
Their away form is even worse, with no wins in seven and four consecutive defeats on the road, conceding 10 goals in those four losses.
Maresca acknowledges the challenge ahead, admitting Copenhagen are ‘a very good team’ with ‘a very good manager’ who plays ‘nice football’.
He has insisted Chelsea will take every competition seriously. “From now on, all the Conference League games and all the Premier League games, they are all important,” Maresca said.
“We are going to take one by one until the end, trying to win as many games as possible.”
The Chelsea boss has also confirmed Robert Sanchez will start in goal, making his first European appearance of the season.
Benoit Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah are available again, which should help stabilise a fragile defence.
Cole Palmer is also in the squad after being managed carefully in recent months.
Copenhagen may not have Chelsea’s individual quality, but they are a well-drilled side leading their domestic league.
Their home record is strong, and they created plenty of chances in their extra-time victory over Heidenheim in the previous round.
Chelsea have the talent to win this tie, but their inconsistency – especially away from home – leaves them vulnerable.
They will need to show more resilience to justify their status as favourites.
