UEFA Europa Conference League: Chelsea vs Copenhagen Preview – March 13, 2025

UEFA Europa Conference League: Chelsea vs Copenhagen Preview – March 13, 2025



The UEFA Europa Conference League Round of 16 continues with an intriguing battle between Chelsea and FC Copenhagen at Stamford Bridge on Thursday, March 13, 2025.

Chelsea, despite being a European powerhouse, found themselves in the Conference League after a disappointing domestic campaign last season. The Blues are now aiming to secure European silverware to boost morale and their standing under new management. Meanwhile, FC Copenhagen have impressed in European competitions in recent years and will be determined to cause an upset.

Can Chelsea’s superior squad depth and home advantage guide them to victory? Or will Copenhagen’s disciplined approach and counter-attacking threat surprise the London giants?

 

Match Details

  • Fixture: Chelsea vs FC Copenhagen
  • Competition: UEFA Europa Conference League – Round of 16 (2nd Leg)
  • Date: Thursday, March 13, 2025
  • Kick-Off Time: 21:00 CET / 20:00 GMT / 16:00 ET
  • Venue: Stamford Bridge, London, England
  • First Leg Result: TBD
  • Broadcast & Live Stream:
    • UK: TNT Sports, Discovery+
    • US: CBS Sports, Paramount+
    • Europe: DAZN, Viaplay
    • Worldwide: UEFA Conference League official broadcasters

 

Team News & Injury Updates

Chelsea

Chelsea have had an up-and-down season but remain one of the strongest teams in the UEFA Conference League. Under Mauricio Pochettino, the team is focused on securing a European trophy and using this tournament as a stepping stone for bigger ambitions.

Injuries/Suspensions:

  • Reece James – Out (hamstring injury)
  • Christopher Nkunku – Doubtful (fitness issues)
  • Marc Cucurella – Suspended
  • Wesley Fofana – Out (long-term injury)

Key Players:

  • Enzo Fernรกndez – A midfield maestro who controls the tempo.
  • Cole Palmer – Chelsea’s main attacking outlet with creativity and goals.
  • Raheem Sterling – Provides pace and experience in attack.

 




FC Copenhagen

FC Copenhagen have been one of Denmark’s most consistent teams in Europe and are known for their well-organized defensive structure. Their ability to frustrate big teams and capitalize on counter-attacks makes them a dangerous opponent.

Injuries/Suspensions:

  • Rasmus Falk – Doubtful (muscle strain)
  • Elias Jelert – Fit and expected to start
  • Denis Vavro – Suspended

Key Players:

  • Mohamed Elyounoussi – A creative winger with experience at the top level.
  • Diogo Gonรงalves – A midfield engine who helps control the game.
  • Viktor Claesson – The team’s main attacking threat and a leader.

 

Possible Lineups

Chelsea (4-2-3-1 Formation):

  • Goalkeeper: Robert Sรกnchez
  • Defenders: Malo Gusto, Thiago Silva, Levi Colwill, Ben Chilwell
  • Midfielders: Moisรฉs Caicedo, Enzo Fernรกndez
  • Attacking Midfielders: Cole Palmer, Conor Gallagher, Raheem Sterling
  • Striker: Nicolas Jackson

FC Copenhagen (4-3-3 Formation):

  • Goalkeeper: Kamil Grabara
  • Defenders: Elias Jelert, Denis Vavro, Kevin Diks, Birger Meling
  • Midfielders: Diogo Gonรงalves, Lukas Lerager, Viktor Claesson
  • Forwards: Mohamed Elyounoussi, Andreas Cornelius, Roony Bardghji

 

Stamford Bridge – The Venue

Stamford Bridge is a historic and formidable stadium, known for its intense atmosphere on European nights. Chelsea will count on their home fans to create a hostile environment for FC Copenhagen.

  • Capacity: 40,341
  • Famous for: Chelsea’s strong European record at home
  • Conference League record at home: Unbeaten so far this season

 

Head-to-Head Record

  • Total Matches: 4
  • Chelsea Wins: 2
  • FC Copenhagen Wins: 0
  • Draws: 2

Recent Meetings:

  • Chelsea 2-1 FC Copenhagen (UEFA Champions League 2021-22 Group Stage)
  • FC Copenhagen 1-1 Chelsea (UEFA Champions League 2021-22 Group Stage)
  • Chelsea 0-0 FC Copenhagen (UEFA Champions League 2010-11 Round of 16)

Chelsea have historically dominated this fixture, but Copenhagen have shown they can frustrate the Blues with defensive solidity.

 

Match Preview & Tactical Analysis

Chelsea’s Tactical Approach

  • High pressing to force Copenhagen into mistakes.
  • Dominating possession through midfielders like Enzo Fernรกndez and Caicedo.
  • Using width with Sterling and Palmer to stretch Copenhagen’s defense.

FC Copenhagen’s Strategy

  • Compact defensive shape to absorb Chelsea’s attacks.
  • Quick counter-attacks using Elyounoussi and Bardghji’s pace.
  • Physical play in midfield to disrupt Chelsea’s rhythm.

 

Key Battles to Watch

  1. Enzo Fernรกndez vs. Diogo Gonรงalves – A crucial midfield battle that will influence possession.
  2. Raheem Sterling vs. Elias Jelert – Sterling’s speed could trouble the Copenhagen defense.
  3. Thiago Silva vs. Andreas Cornelius – Silva must handle Cornelius’ aerial threat.

 

Betting Odds & Predictions

  • Chelsea Win: 1.35
  • FC Copenhagen Win: 8.00
  • Draw: 4.50

Score Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 FC Copenhagen (Chelsea win on aggregate)

Chelsea’s quality and home advantage should see them through, but Copenhagen will make it difficult with a disciplined defensive setup.

 

How to Watch the Match

United Kingdom:

  • TNT Sports
  • Discovery+

United States:

  • CBS Sports
  • Paramount+

Europe:

  • DAZN
  • Viaplay

Global:

  • UEFA Conference League official broadcasters

 

Conclusion

This UEFA Europa Conference League Round of 16 clash between Chelsea and FC Copenhagen is set to be an exciting encounter. Chelsea are favorites to progress, but Copenhagen have the potential to cause problems if they can remain defensively solid and capitalize on counter-attacks.

Can Chelsea’s attacking stars deliver a dominant performance? Or will FC Copenhagen pull off a shock result and eliminate the Premier League side?

Don’t miss the action on March 13, 2025!