The first leg of the 2024/25 UEFA Europa Conference League Round of 16 between Copenhagen (Denmark) and Chelsea (England) will take place on March 6 at Parken Stadium. Copenhagen vs. Chelsea: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Copenhagen
The bronze medalist of last season's Danish championship will play in the Round of 16 for the second consecutive season. However, last year the team played in the Champions League, and this time it's only in the Conference League. After finishing only 18th in the overall stage of the tournament, they advanced to the playoffs against Heidenheim. After exchanging away wins 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 regular time in Copenhagen's last five games in this European competition.
- Both teams scored at the end of 90 minutes in 7 of the last 9 matches in the Conference League.
- The Danes did not lose in regular time in 10 of the last 14 matches in this tournament (7 wins and 3 draws).
Predicted lineup for Copenhagen (5-4-1)
Diant Ramadzh – Kevin Diks, Giorgi Gocholeishvili, Birger Meling, Munashe Garangananga, Gabriel Pereira – Viktor Froholdt, Mohamed Elyounoussi, Mohamed Elias Ashouri, William Clem – Amin Sheikha.
The team has forwards Andreas Cornelius, Runi Bardagji, and midfielder Oliver Heyer in the infirmary.
Chelsea
The English team effortlessly won the main stage of the Conference League. The Londoners won all six matches of the overall stage of the tournament, outpacing their nearest rival by 4 points. The club significantly surpassed everyone in terms of goals scored – 26. Also, the matches of Enzo Maresca's team were the most productive in the autumn part of the European competition, with an average of 5.2 goals scored.
- The club won 7 of the 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 each match of the overall stage in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Chelsea (4-3-3)
Philip Jorgensen – Axel Disasi, Joshua Achimpong, Marc Cucurella, Renato Veiga – Cesare Casadei, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Tyreek George – Mark Guiu, Christopher Nkunku, Noni Madueke.
Due to injuries, forwards Noni Madueke, Nicolas Jackson, and Mark Guiu, midfielders Omari Kellyman and Romeo Lavia, as well as defender Benoit Badiashile, are out of action. Forward Mykhailo Mudryk continues to serve a suspension due to 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 consider the English team as favorites in this pair, which is hard to disagree with, given how easily Enzo Maresca's team defeated all their opponents in the overall stage. At the same time, I wouldn't risk betting on a clean win, as the Londoners may play with a second lineup in this match, which the hosts will try to take advantage of. The Scandinavians have played 14 matches at their arena in this tournament but have lost only 4 times, so they might well snatch a draw in the first meeting.
I also believe the match will be high-scoring. Copenhagen has a 7-match scoring streak at their stadium in the Conference League. The English team scored in all eight games they played in this tournament, including the playoff round to the overall stage. In these matches, Chelsea scored at least two goals seven times, and there were three or more goals in six matches.
My prediction: Double Chance 2X and Total Over 2.5 goals
