2024-25 UEFA Europa Conference League Play-Offs: First Leg – Chelsea vs Servette

Chelsea host Servette at Stamford Bridge in the first leg of their 2024-25 Europa Conference League Play-Off.

Chelsea qualified for this stage via their sixth-placed league finish last season, whilst Servette lost their Europa League Third Qualifying Round to Braga.

 

Team News

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Chelsea have no fresh injury concerns to report following their 2-0 loss to Manchester City in the Premier League.

Dorde Petrovic and Omari Kellyman (both knock) are doubtful but Reece James (hamstring) remain ruled out.

Servette have no fresh injury concerns to report with a full squad in contention.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Chelsea host Servette at Stamford Bridge on Thursday 22 August at 8pm BST, untelevised live in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• This is Chelsea’s first ever meeting against Servette in all competitions.
• Servette have lost each of their two previous away games against English opposition (L2), 2-0 against Liverpool in 1971-72 European Cup Winners’ Cup then 4-1 to Derby in 1974-75 UEFA Cup.
• Chelsea have won two of their three previous home matches against Swiss opposition in all UEFA competitions (W2, L1).
• Chelsea have lost just one of their last five home games across all UEFA competitions (W3, D1, L1).
• Servette are unbeaten in five of their last six games in all UEFA competitions (W1, D4, L1), during which they drew four games by 0-0 results.

 

Prediction

After their wasteful lacklustre showing in a deserved loss to Man City, Chelsea need to just reset and look to start their season here in a game where they should be favourites if can find their finishing product.

Servette meanwhile are fully in season now due to their campaign starting early, so I do expect them to cause some issues especially given their resilient defence in recent European fixtures.

I however do think that Chelsea should take a confident win if can polish their final touches, because if they go on to lose this tie then there will be some early pressure on Enzo Maresca given the previous deep runs of English clubs in this competition.

Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Servette

Result: Chelsea 2-0 Servette