Chelsea's Road to Europe: Battle for Conference League Begins with Servette
After a disappointing sixth-place finish in the Premier League, Chelsea find themselves back in Europe â but not in the glamorous Champions League. Instead, they're participating in the UEFA Conference League, previously known as the Europa Conference League. While this is undoubtedly the third tier of UEFA club competitions, a new trophy is a new trophy, and Chelsea will be aiming to add another piece of silverware to their cabinet.
However, their journey to the group stages begins with a two-legged playoff against Servette FC from Switzerland. The Swiss side actually qualified for the Europa League but narrowly lost to SC Braga in the preliminary qualifying rounds, dropping them into the Conference League playoffs. This matchup is far from a straightforward affair, with Braga having only just edged out Servette in a closely fought tie.
The Match Details
Date/Time: Thursday, 22nd April, 20:00 BST
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London
Referee: Jérémie Pignard (on pitch); Benoît Millot (VAR)
Forecast: A fresh breeze, according to the BBC.
Where to Watch
TV: RTS 2 (Switzerland), no coverage elsewhere
Streaming: Chelsea TV (£4.99/$6.49)
Chelsea Team News
Chelsea's extensive squad has been trimmed down to just 26 players registered for the UEFA Conference League. The "A List" comprises 22 players, with an additional four on the "B List", including Levi Colwill, Josh Acheampong, Tyrique George, and Kiano Dyer. Notably, Tosin Adarabioyo, initially omitted from UEFA's list, has been included. However, several notable names are missing, including Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, and ÄorÄe PetroviÄ. Reece James, despite a hamstring injury, has been registered but is unlikely to feature. Wesley Fofana, returning from a lengthy injury absence, will be managed carefully. João Félix, newly acquired on loan, did not arrive in time to be registered for the match.
The new era under manager Mauricio Maresca began with a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City last weekend. While the result was disappointing, it was a low-key affair, and the real test of Maresca's management starts now.
Servette FC Team News
Servette FC, once a dominant force in Swiss football, suffered financial difficulties in the early 2000s, leading to relegation and near-insolvency. However, they have since recovered and have been a top-flight club since 2019. Last season, they finished third in the Swiss Super League and also won the Swiss Cup.
New manager Thomas Häberli took charge in June and has enjoyed mixed results in his eight games at the helm. They've achieved a notable 3-2 victory over reigning champions Young Boys, but also suffered a humiliating 6-0 home defeat to FC Basel. Their most recent result was a 7-1 cup win over lower-league Signal FC Bernex-Confignon. They pushed Braga hard in the Europa League playoffs, losing by a solitary goal across both legs. In last season's Conference League, Servette reached the Round of 16, losing on penalties to Viktoria PlzeÅ.
Goals have been a struggle for Servette, particularly following the departure of striker Chris Bedia in the winter transfer window. They have strengthened their attacking options this summer with several young signings. Enzo Crivelli, their other key striker, has managed just one goal in seven appearances this season. Instead, midfielder Dereck Kutesa leads the team with five goals across all competitions. He also recently made his international debut for Switzerland.
A Difficult Challenge
Servette assistant manager Bojan DimiÄ has described this fixture as "climbing Mount Everest without oxygen." While this is a dramatic comparison, it highlights the daunting task facing the Swiss side. Chelsea will undoubtedly be strong favourites for this match, but Servette's recent performances and history of exceeding expectations suggest they shouldn't be underestimated. This match promises to be an intriguing test for both sides, with Chelsea hoping to secure a confident victory and Servette looking to cause an upset and extend their European adventure.