Chelsea hope to continue their perfect record in the UEFA Conference League away to Heidenheim despite injury blows.
Enzo Maresca’s side travels to Germany to face their toughest opponents in the Conference League so far. Heidenheim were promoted to the Bundesliga in 2023 and finished 8th in their debut top-flight season since their resurrection in 2007. Their top-half finish was enough for them to qualify for a major European competition for the first time in their history.
Despite Frank Schmidt’s team coming into this game in poor form, with their last Bundesliga win in late September, his team also hold a perfect record in the UEFA Conference League.
During their thrilling 5-2 defeat to the Bundesliga Champions, Bayer Leverkusen, Marvin Pieringer was forced off the pitch with an injury that will make him a doubt to feature against Chelsea. No other injury news from the opponent’s camp.
Maresca will look to completely rotate the starting lineup from Saturday’s victory to give rest to the players involved and opportunities for those who did not start.
Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana have seemingly been ruled out. The French defender played the full 90 against Leicester City, and Maresca will want to avoid putting him at risk. Lavia made a brief but unfortunate appearance over the weekend, giving away a consolidation penalty for the Foxes late on, however, his absence will be because of the small knock he picked up over the international break.
The team should look similar to the outfit that thrashed Noah 8-0 before the international break. I would expect an exact copy of the backline that played Noah, with Benoit Badiashile the only play to retain their spot from last weekend’s lunchtime kick-off. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall will likely slot in for Enzo Fernandez after the Argentinians man of the match performance against Leicester. I believe Cesare Casadei will partner with Dewsbury-Hall to give more balance in the midfield, with Joao Felix going to the bench after his first Premier League start.
Jadon Sancho and Pedro Neto’s return from injury may demote either Tyrique George or Marc Guiu from the starting lineup. Maresca will likely want to give game time to Sancho after his extended absence and will put him in the lineup over the promising winger, George. Marc Guiu should keep his place unless Christopher Nkunku is given the striker spot to accommodate Neto on the wing. However, Maresca will probably avoid risking starting Neto in this game.
No matter the result, one of these two sides will lose their perfect streak in the Europa Conference League. Even after the heavy rotation, Chelsea should feel confident they can win and retain their perfect record.
Heidenheim Predicted XI: K. Muller, H. O. Traore, P. Mainka, B. Gimber, J. Fohrenbach, L. Maloney, J. Schoppner, A. Beck, N. Dorsch, P. Wanner, M. Honsak
Chelsea Predicted XI: Filip Jorgensen, A. Disasi, T. Adarabioyo, B. Badiashile, R. Viega, C. Casadei, K. Dewsbury-Hall, J. Sancho, C. Nkunku, M. Mudryk, M. Guiu
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