The Daily Star Ireland
Chelsea are heavily favored in the Conference League, and they have lived up to expectations by winning all five of their group-stage matches so far. Their victories include impressive wins over teams like La Gantoise, Panathinaikos, FC Noah, Heidenheim, and Astana, allowing them to easily top the standings. Domestically, Chelsea are also performing well in the Premier League, currently sitting in 2nd place. They have secured four consecutive wins, most recently beating Southampton 5-1 and Tottenham 4-3. Their next goal is to secure a fifth consecutive win against Brentford.
Shamrock Rovers, on the other hand, have emerged as one of the surprises in this season’s Conference League. Unexpectedly, the Irish side is in 6th place with 11 points, remaining unbeaten and securing three wins from their last four matches against Larne, The New Saints, and Borac Baja Luka. They are also performing well domestically, currently in 2nd place in the Irish league, just two points behind leaders Shelbourne.
For Chelsea, Italian U21 international Casadei, who has only played in the Conference League this season, will return after serving a suspension. However, Cole Palmer and Lavia are not eligible for this competition, and several key players, including Reece James, Kellyman, Neto, and Wesley Fofana, are sidelined due to injuries. Joao Félix, who has scored four goals in the competition, and Mudryk, with three goals and three assists, could rejoin the squad after missing the trip to Astana. Nkunku, with five goals in the Conference League, is expected to be available as well.
Shamrock Rovers will be without several important players for this match, including the injured Gaffney and Greene, who has been a key contributor with eight goals and two assists in the league. Other absentees include Hoare and Burke, who have also been pivotal in the league. Burns, a key player with five goals and four assists, left the team at the end of the season. The team will still have some notable performers, such as Johnny Kenny, who has scored 13 goals and provided two assists in the league, as well as Watts, Ferrugia, and Byrne, all of whom have contributed significantly this season.
Prediction
Given Chelsea’s strong home form, winning 15 of their last 20 home matches in European competition, and Shamrock Rovers’ struggles on the road, it’s difficult to imagine anything other than a home victory in this match.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Shamrock Rovers.
