Chelsea will face FC Noah on Thursday night in a pivotal Conference League clash at Stamford Bridge. The match is expected to be a routine win for the Blues as they take on the debutants from Armenia, who are making their first-ever trip to England. Chelsea has been dominant in the competition so far, dispatching Gent and Panathinaikos with ease. Enzo Maresca’s side has scored four goals in each of their two opening games, showcasing their clinical edge and superior quality.
Currently sitting at the top of their group with the best goal difference among all teams, Chelsea have looked imperious on the continent. The Blues are among the favorites to win the competition, with many bookmakers viewing them as the clear frontrunners. If they do go on to win it, they would become the first club to claim all four major UEFA club trophies, adding the Conference League to their collection of Champions League, Europa League, and Cup Winners’ Cup trophies.
This fixture represents the lowest-ranked opponent Chelsea will face in the group stage. It’s expected to be a straightforward win for the English giants, with their squad depth and quality outmatching that of FC Noah. However, with important domestic fixtures on the horizon, Chelsea will likely rotate their lineup significantly.
Chelsea’s recent form in the Premier League has been solid, with a 1-1 draw against Manchester United last weekend maintaining their position in the top four. The Blues will be keen to extend their lead over Arsenal in the upcoming London derby. With that in mind, Maresca is expected to make several changes for this European tie, giving some of his key players a well-deserved rest. Key figures like Christopher Nkunku, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Joao Felix are likely to feature, but there will also be opportunities for less regular starters to showcase their talents.
For FC Noah, this match represents a historic moment for the Armenian club. Founded only in 2017, Noah has already made a name for itself in Europe, surpassing expectations to reach the Conference League group stage. Their route to this stage has been nothing short of remarkable, with impressive victories over Shkendija, Sliema Wanderers, AEK Athens, and Ruzomberok. However, their away form has been a cause for concern, with losses in their last three European away matches, including a defeat to Rapid Vienna on their last trip.
Despite this, FC Noah enters the match in decent domestic form, winning four consecutive games with a high-scoring record. While they are under no illusions about the challenge they face in London, the Armenian side will be hopeful of at least earning a draw, with a focus on their upcoming home games against Vikingur and APOEL, which could be crucial for their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage.
Chelsea’s squad for this match will see numerous changes from their usual starting XI. With Cole Palmer absent due to injury, and players like Carney Chukwuemeka and Pedro Neto looking to make a case for more minutes, Maresca will field a squad with a mix of fringe players and youngsters. Notably, Jorgensen could start in goal, with a defense featuring the likes of Renato Veiga, Axel Disasi, and Malang Sarr. The midfield could see the inclusion of Dewsbury-Hall alongside Enzo Fernandez, with Chukwuemeka, Joao Felix, and Mudryk likely to be in the attacking lineup. Nkunku is also set to feature as the focal point in attack.
For FC Noah, they are likely to field a defensive lineup with Ognjen Cancarevic in goal, who has been key for them in Europe, including scoring a remarkable goal from his own penalty area against AEK Athens. Defenders Mendoza, Goncalo Silva, and Muradyan will form the backbone of the defense, while the midfield will likely include Eteki, Oulad Omar, and Sangare. The attacking trio could feature Helder Ferreira, Goncalo Gregorio, and Pinson, with Gregorio in particular a player to watch after scoring frequently in both the league and the qualifiers.
As the youngest club in this season’s European competitions, FC Noah has nothing to lose in this fixture. However, Chelsea’s overwhelming quality and depth should ensure that the Blues take control early. A dominant performance would provide further momentum for Chelsea in their quest for continental glory. Despite the underdogs’ remarkable journey to this point, it is expected that the home side will prove too strong, making this an ideal opportunity for Maresca to rotate his squad while still securing a comfortable victory.
With the Champions League winners of 2021 focused on securing domestic success and building momentum in Europe, this match represents a chance for Chelsea to extend their flawless start to the Conference League campaign. For FC Noah, while the odds are stacked against them, this trip to London will remain a historic milestone in their young club’s journey on the European stage.
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