The first leg of the 2024/25 UEFA Conference League Round of 16 between Copenhagen (Denmark) and Chelsea (England) will take place on March 6 at the Parken Stadium. Copenhagen vs. Chelsea: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Copenhagen
The bronze medalist of last season's Danish championship is playing in the Round of 16 for the second consecutive season. However, last year the team competed in the Champions League, while this time it's only the Conference League. After finishing 18th in the overall stage of the tournament, the Scandinavians advanced to the playoffs against Heidenheim. After exchanging away victories with a score of 2-1, the club defeated the Germans on their field in extra time (1-0).
- Exactly two or three goals were scored in regulation time in Copenhagen's last five games in this European competition.
- Both teams scored in 7 of the last 9 matches in the Conference League.
- The Danes have not lost in regulation time in 10 of their last 14 matches in this tournament (7 wins and 3 draws).
Predicted lineup for Copenhagen (5-4-1)
Diant Ramaj – Kevin Diks, Giorgi Gocholeishvili, Birger Meling, Munashe Garananga, Gabriel Pereira – Viktor Froholt, Mohamed Elyounoussi, Mohamed Elias Ashouri, William Clem – Amin Sheikh.
Forwards Andreas Cornelius, Runi Bardagji, and midfielder Oliver Heyer are in the team's infirmary.
Chelsea
The English team easily won the main stage of the Conference League. The Londoners won all six matches of the overall stage of the tournament, outpacing their closest rival by 4 points. The club far exceeded everyone in terms of goals scored – 26. Also, Enzo Maresca's team's games were the most productive in the autumn part of the European competition, with an average of 5.2 goals scored.
- The club has won 7 of their last 8 matches in the Conference League.
- At least three goals were scored in 6 of Chelsea's last 7 games in this European competition.
- The English team scored at least two goals in every match of the overall stage in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Chelsea (4-3-3)
Filip Jorgensen – Axel Disasi, Joshua Achimpong, Marc Cucurella, Renato Veiga – Cesare Casadei, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Tyrique George – Marc Guiu, Christopher Nkunku, Noni Madueke.
Due to injuries, forwards Noni Madueke, Nicolas Jackson, and Marc Guiu, midfielders Omari Kellyman and Romeo Lavia, and defender Benoit Badiashile are out. Forward Mykhailo Mudryk continues to serve a suspension for a failed doping test.
Referee
Georgi Kabakov (Bulgaria)
Matches – 10 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 50;
Average yellow cards per match – 5;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 20;
Penalties – 0%.
Copenhagen vs. Chelsea: Match Prediction
Bookmakers favor the English team in this matchup, which is hard to argue against considering how easily Enzo Maresca's side defeated all their opponents in the overall stage. However, I am hesitant to bet on a straightforward win, as the Londoners might play with a secondary lineup, which the hosts could try to exploit. The Scandinavians have played 14 matches at home in this tournament, losing only 4 times, so they could potentially secure a draw in the first leg.
I also believe the match will be high-scoring. Copenhagen has a 7-match scoring streak at their home stadium in the Conference League. Meanwhile, the English team has scored in all eight games they've played in this tournament, including the playoff round to the overall stage. In these matches, Chelsea scored at least two goals on seven occasions, and three or more goals were scored in six matches.
My prediction – Double chance X2 and Total over 2.5 goals
* The starting lineup for each team is based on their previous match in this tournament.
