Copenhagen vs Chelsea: Preview, predictions and lineups | OneFootball

Chelsea make their Europa Conference League comeback on Thursday evening when they visit Copenhagen in the first leg of their last 16 clash.

The Blues haven't been in European action since December after waltzing to top spot in the league phase, winning all six of their matches with little fuss. That ensured they avoided the play-off round, in which Copenhagen narrowly beat German outfit Heidenheim across two legs.

Chelsea are not only favourites to ease past their Danish opponents, they're expected to win the Conference League at a canter. But Enzo Maresca will demand focus from his squad as he chases a first piece of silverware with the west London club.

Chelsea enjoyed the weekend off having been dumped out of the FA Cup during the fourth round, but Copenhagen were not so lucky. They locked horns with AaB Aalborg on Sunday but a goalless draw saw their lead at the summit of the Superliga slashed to just one point.

Here is 90min's guide to the game.

Copenhagen vs Chelsea head-to-head record (all games)

Current form (all competitions)

How to watch Copenhagen vs Chelsea on TV - UK & US

Copenhagen team news

Jacob Neestrup has many injury concerns / Anadolu/GettyImages

Copenhagen have a host of injuries that will limit Jacob Neestrup's options for Chelsea's visit, with Nicolai Boilesen missing in defence and Lukas Lerager and Oilver Hojer absent in the centre of the park.

There are significant issues for Copenhagen in their forward unit, too. Jordan Larsson, Andreas Cornelius, Rooby Bardghji and Mohamed Elyounoussi will all be absent. The latter two are both expected to return this weekend but have not been named in the club's squad for Thursday.

Copenhagen predicted lineup vs Chelsea

Copenhagen predicted lineup vs Chelsea (4-4-2): Ramaj; Diks, Pereira, Garananga, Meling; Mattsson, Clem, Froholdt, Achouri; Claesson, Chiakha.

Chelsea team news

Benoit Badiashile could make his long-awaited return / Robin Jones/GettyImages

Chelsea have their own injury concerns, with Nicolas Jackson, Marc Guiu and Noni Madueke all sidelined with issues at present. Long-term absentees Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana haven't been named in the Conference League squad for the knockout phase, while Mykhailo Mudryk remains suspended for failing a drugs test.

However, Benoit Badiashile is among those travelling to Denmark as he closes in on his first minutes since early December. Admittedly, he's unlikely to start as Maresca manages his return.

Cole Palmer, Trevoh Chalobah and winter recruit Mathis Amougou have all now been registered for the Conference League and are making the trip to Copenhagen.

Chelsea predicted lineup vs Copenhagen (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Sancho, Palmer, Nkunku; Neto.

Copenhagen vs Chelsea score prediction

With so many injuries in their forward line, Copenhagen will be hard pushed to score, let alone win, against Chelsea. The Blues have repeatedly blitzed their opponents in the Conference League and could well do the same on Thursday.

Now in the knockout phase and with injuries to fringe performers, Maresca is likely to name a strong starting XI in Copenhagen. The well-rested Blues should flex their attacking muscles once more having scored 26 times in their six league phase games.