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Chelsea hosts Armenian side FC Noah in the UEFA Conference League aiming to snap a two-game losing streak that saw them exit the Carabao Cup and drop points in the league against Manchester United.
The Blues have comfortably won its first two matches of the league phase and currently sit atop the Conference League standings. The dominance should continue for a team whose squad is far superior than its opposition in this third tier European competition.
Enzo Maresca has made it a habit to fully rotate his squad for Conference League fixtures. The team A and team B concept is beginning to raise questions from fans and pundits alike because of the poor results and drop in form last week. However, Maresca insists there’s no such thing as two separate teams, although it does seem likely that the majority of the players who started against Manchester United over the weekend won’t do so again against Noah.
Aside from not being registered to play in the league phase, Cole Palmer picked up a knock and his status is still up in the air for Sunday’s Premier League game against Arsenal. Maresca confirmed that Jadon Sancho won’t be available as well and will miss his fourth consecutive game for the Blues. Despite the absences, Chelsea has more than enough depth to get back to winning ways on Thursday night.
GK: Filip Jörgensen — Yet another Robert Sánchez mistake led to a goal in the Premier League; however, Maresca remains adamant that there won’t be a goalkeeper change in the EPL, meaning Jörgensen will continue to get his playing time in Conference League games.
RB: Axel Disasi — Disasi had a night to forget at St. James’ Park, scoring an own goal that all but sealed Chelsea’s exit from the Carabao Cup. He’ll aim to bounce back against Noah.
CB: Tosin Adarabioyo — One of the most experienced figures in Chelsea’s locker room. The …
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