Chelsea host Gent in their opening League Phase fixture in 2024-25 UEFA Conference League.
Victory could put Chelsea or Gent into the top eight placings, which could result in a potential pass to the Round of 16 come the end of this stage on 19 December.
Team News
Chelsea have no fresh injury concerns to report following their 4-2 Premier League win over Brighton.
Cole Palmer though is ineligible after he wasn’t named in the Blues’ squad for this stage of the competition.
Omari Kellyman and Reece James (both hamstring) remain sidelined.
Gent could be without Andrew Hjulsager due to an unspecified injury.
Sven Kums (calf) remains ruled out.
When is Kick-Off?
Chelsea host Gent at Stamford Bridge on Thursday 3 October at 8pm BST, live on TNT Sport 1 in the UK.
Stat Attack
- This is Chelsea’s first competitive meeting against Gent in all competitions.
- Gent are visiting Chelsea for the first time in all competitions.
- Chelsea have won all four home games against Belgian opposition in all UEFA competitions without conceding (W4).
- Gent are winless in three away trips to London based English opposition in all UEFA competitions (D2, L1).
Prediction
Considered one of the top favourites to top this stage and boasting a squad packed with firepower, Chelsea know that they can win this game but they will need to do it without Palmer which shouldn’t be a difficult task if others step up.
Palmer though is a loss after his four goals saw off Brighton in a ruthlessly clinical first-half, but I can see them coping and it is the right decision to rest him at this stage of the competition.
Gent though have lost one of their last nine games in all competitions so Enzo Maresca’s Blues can’t underestimate them, especially given their unpredictable formations which could create some initial challenges for Chelsea in the early minutes.
I however don’t see Chelsea losing this but Gent certainly will not come and roll over in the capital.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Gent
Result: Chelsea 4-2 Gent
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