Astana Vs Chelsea

Chelsea will look to maintain their perfect record in the UEFA Conference League when they travel to Kazakhstan to face Astana in their penultimate League Phase match this Thursday afternoon. Despite already securing at least a spot in the last-16 playoffs, the Blues still need to focus on ensuring a top-24 finish to solidify their place in the knockout rounds.

Chelsea, under the management of Enzo Maresca, are currently one of only two teams in the Conference League this season, along with Polish side Legia Warsaw, to have achieved a perfect 12 points from their first four matches. With 18 goals scored—the highest in the competition—and only three conceded, the West London side has been an offensive juggernaut. Their campaign has been marked by impressive victories, such as a 4-2 win over Gent, a commanding 4-1 triumph against Panathinaikos, and a resounding 8-0 rout of FC Noah. Chelsea continued their strong performance with a solid 2-0 victory over German club Heidenheim, a result that was propelled by a record-breaking goal from Christopher Nkunku and a late strike from Mykhaylo Mudryk.

The Conference League format differs from that of the Champions League and Europa League, where teams play eight group-stage matches. In the Conference League, teams only have six matches in the newly-formed League Phase. Chelsea, who are currently top of the 36-team group, will almost certainly guarantee a top-eight finish if they secure a victory against Astana on Thursday, leaving them with just one remaining home fixture against Shamrock Rovers to conclude their campaign. With a perfect record so far, Chelsea’s dominance in the League Phase has positioned them well for a deep run in the competition.

The Blues’ current form is one of confidence and momentum. Since their 2-0 loss to Newcastle United in the EFL Cup at the end of October, Chelsea have gone on an eight-match unbeaten streak in all competitions. The team has been in excellent form, winning each of their last five matches by a significant aggregate score of 16-5. This unbeaten run includes four consecutive away victories, which further bolsters their confidence as they travel to Astana. In their most recent match, Chelsea triumphed 4-3 over London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in a thrilling Premier League encounter. This victory lifted Maresca's team to second place in the league, just four points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand.

In contrast, Astana’s journey in the Conference League has been less successful, especially after their promising opening win against Backa Topola (1-0) in October. Since that victory, the Kazakh side has struggled, picking up just one point from their next three matches. Consecutive defeats against The New Saints (2-0) and Pafos (1-0) were followed by a 1-1 draw at home against Portuguese side Vitoria de Guimaraes in their most recent competitive fixture. Despite taking the lead through Branimir Kalaica’s first-half goal, Astana were denied a win when Vitoria de Guimaraes equalized in the 89th minute. This late setback was a bitter blow for Grigori Babayan’s side, but they remain in contention for a place in the knockout rounds. Astana currently sit 23rd in the standings, just inside the playoff positions due to goal difference, but they are still five points adrift of the top eight.

Babayan has expressed his excitement about facing Chelsea, acknowledging that the match represents a significant challenge for his team. However, despite being heavy underdogs, Astana have reasons to be hopeful about their chances. The Kazakh side is in the midst of an impressive domestic campaign, having finished the season just one point behind Kazakhstan Premier League champions Kairat. Their strong domestic form has been complemented by a 13-match unbeaten streak at home, where they have won 11 games and drawn two. This includes four wins and one draw in their five Conference League fixtures, including qualifiers, which suggests that they are a formidable force when playing on their home turf.

For Astana, Thursday's match will be a chance to test themselves against one of Europe's most prestigious clubs. Despite Chelsea's formidable form, Astana will look to use their home advantage to produce an upset. The Yellow and Blues have demonstrated their resilience in the Conference League this season, and while they face a tough challenge against Chelsea, they can draw confidence from their strong home record. A positive result against Chelsea could significantly improve their chances of advancing to the knockout rounds, and the team's supporters will be hoping for a memorable performance on home soil.

Chelsea, on the other hand, will be determined to extend their perfect record in the League Phase and continue their pursuit of top spot in the group. With only one more game left to play after this match, they will want to maintain their momentum heading into the final stretch of the competition. Maresca’s squad has shown they are capable of performing under pressure, and a win against Astana will ensure they finish the League Phase in a strong position.

As the teams prepare for this crucial encounter, Chelsea will undoubtedly be the favorites, but Astana's strong home form and the excitement surrounding the match mean that anything is possible. While the Blues are focused on securing a top-eight finish, Astana will be aiming to spring a surprise and keep their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds alive. Both teams have everything to play for, and this match promises to be an exciting and highly competitive fixture in the Conference League.