Chelsea host Shamrock Rovers in their concluding League Phase fixture in 2024-25 UEFA Conference League.
Victory will see Chelsea secure top spot having already for the Round of 16, whilst Shamrock will too progress through to the last 16 with a win but a draw or defeat might be enough if results go their way.
Team News
Benoit Badiashile is ruled out for Chelsea with an unspecified injury.
Mykhailo Mudryk is suspended indefinitely for personal reasons, whilst Pedro Neto returns from his domestic ban and Marc Cucurella is available as his ban only applies to domestic action.
Carney Chukwuemeka and Ben Chilwell (both illness) are doubts but Joao Felix is unlikely to be risked due to an unspecified injury.
Wesley Fofana, Reece James and Omari Kellyman (all hamstring) are still ruled out, whilst Romeo Lavia and Cole Palmer are ineligible.
Shamrock will be without Rory Gaffney due to a lengthy knee injury.
When is Kick-Off?
Chelsea host Shamrock at Stamford Bridge on Thursday 19 December at 8pm BST, live on TNT Sport 1 in the UK.
Stat Attack
- This is Chelsea’s first competitive meeting against Shamrock in all UEFA competitions.
- Shamrock are visiting Chelsea for the first time in a competitive fixture.
- This fixture marks Chelsea’s first-ever meeting against Irish opposition across all UEFA competitions.
- Three of Chelsea’s 12 goals at home in the league phase were scored by Christopher Nkunku.
- Johnny Kenny has scored five goals in Shamrock’s last four league phase fixtures.
Prediction
With top spot in their own hands and changes likely following a dominant but wasteful league win against Brentford, I am expecting Chelsea to still bring their top game such is their squad depth.
Shamrock though haven’t faced a proper top team so far which makes them an exciting prospect because they certainly know how to score goals, yet have just one clean sheet and will need to be at their best here.
I however do feel that this will be a routine home win for Chelsea but Shamrock should nick a goal if at their attacking best.
Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Shamrock
Result: Chelsea 5-1 Shamrock