Premier League high-flyers Chelsea host Irish outfit Shamrock Rovers in the Conference League on Thursday, and we’ve got the latest team news and lineups, as well as a prediction alongside our preview.
Chelsea vs Shamrock Rovers Preview
Table-topping Chelsea host sixth-place Shamrock Rovers on the final matchday of the Conference League league phase, with both sides heading into the tie boasting impressive unbeaten records.
The Blues, who are the only side remaining in the competition to have won all five of their matches, beat Astana 3-1 out in Kazakhstan last time out, with their other wins coming over Heidenheim, Noah, Panathinaikos and Gent.
Their perfect record means that they have already guaranteed a spot in the top eight, which secures direct advancement to the competition’s last-16.
Enzo Maresca’s side have won each of their last seven matches across all competitions and find themselves in second place in the English top-flight table, two points adrift of leaders Liverpool after beating Brentford 2-1 on Sunday.
Next up: UEFA Conference League ⌛️
📍 Stamford Bridge, London 🏴#RoversInEurope pic.twitter.com/9DUAxZWpv2
— Shamrock Rovers FC (@ShamrockRovers) December 16, 2024
As for the Hoops, they have defied all expectations during this campaign, as they head into MD6 with a record of three wins and two draws, ahead of the likes of Real Betis, Heidenheim, Panathinaikos, etc.
Last time out, they breezed past Bosnian challengers Borac Banja Luka with a 3-0 victory at home, courtesy of a Johnny Kenny brace and a goal from Neil Farrugia, which followed a 1-1 draw away at Rapid Vienna. Other results include a 2-1 win over Welsh champions The New Saints, a 4-1 win over Northern Irish side Larne and a 1-1 draw with APOEL.
In order to maintain their position in the top eight and secure direct advancement to the last-16, Stephen Bradley’s side will likely need to earn a point at Stamford Bridge, however they are guaranteed a playoff position at the very minimum.
Domestically, due to the League of Ireland being a summer league, their campaign drew to a close in early November. Unfortunately for the Dublin-based outfit, they were denied a fifth straight title as they were pipped to top spot by a mere two points by Shelbourne, who are managed by former Chelsea winger Damien Duff.
Chelsea Team News
Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk is unavailable for Rovers’ visit following Tuesday’s shocking news that he’d failed a doping test. He is currently awaiting the results of his ‘B’ sample, which will determine whether he receives a suspension.
Meanwhile, Reece James (thigh), Wesley Fofana (thigh), Benoit Badiashile (unspecified) and Omari Kellyman (thigh) are sidelined through injury, and Carney Chukwuemeka (illness), Ben Chilwell (illness), Joao Felix (unspecified) and Romeo Lavia (unspecified) are doubts for the tie.
Cole Palmer will have no involvement either, as he has not been included in the Blues’ squad for the league phase.
Shamrock Rovers Team News
As for the visitors, their only confirmed absentee heading into the fixture is midfielder Rory Gaffney.
The Hoops should opt for a similar lineup to the one that made slight work of Borac last week, with Celtic loanee and Conference League joint-top scorer Kenny almost certain to lead the line alongside Farrugia in London.
Chelsea vs Shamrock Rovers Confirmed Lineups
Chelsea Confirmed Lineup:
Jorgensen; Acheampong, Disasi, Veiga, Cucurella; Casadei, Dewsbury-Hall; Madueke, Nkunku, George; Guiu
Shamrock Rovers Confirmed Lineup:
Pohls; Cleary, Lopez, Grace; Burns, Watts, O’Neill, Poom, Honohan; Kenny, Farrugia
Chelsea vs Shamrock Rovers Prediction
The Blues have been nothing less than unstoppable on the continent this term, and unfortunately for Shamrock Rovers, we can only see that trend continuing on Thursday with a comfortable victory.
Chelsea are heavily favoured to claim all three points at the Bridge by the UK’s best football betting sites, as low as 1/50 with some bookmakers, which is unsurprising given their 100% record in the competition.
We expect Rovers to give a good account of themselves, as they have clearly shown that they belong on the European stage, but the quality of the Premier League will surely shine through in favour of the hosts, even with a rotated side.
Prediction: Chelsea 4-1 Shamrock Rovers
