Aiming to take another step towards Europa Conference League glory, Chelsea come up against FC Copenhagen in a last-16 first leg tie at Parken on Thursday evening.
The Blues were the pre-tournament favourites before a ball was kicked and their league phase showing has only solidified that viewpoint.
Enzo Maresca’s side stormed their way to top spot in the league phase table, posting a perfect six wins from six.
However, it’s not been plain sailing for Chelsea in the Premier League of late, though they did steady the ship with a comfortable 4-0 win over Southampton last midweek.
As for Copenhagen, they were somewhat underwhelming during the league phase, winning just two of their six matches and placing 18th in the table.
Closer to home, Jacob Neestrup’s side remain top of the Danish Superliga despite being held to a goalless draw away at AaB on Sunday.
How the bookies view it: Blues to boss first leg
Chelsea are short-priced 4/6 favourites on Boylesports to claim a first leg lead in the Danish capital on Thursday evening. A Chelsea win alongside BTTS will boost the odds up to 9/4 (Boylesports). It's worth noting that this combination would have paid out in four of Chelsea's six league phase victories.
FC Copenhagen are as big as 16/5 on Boylesports to beat the Blues in this week’s first leg, while an all square affair is also considered unlikely at 11/4 with the same firm.
Head to head: History book dormant
The two teams previously crossed paths during the now-defunct Champions League group stage back in 2011. After playing out a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea won the return match in Denmark 2-0.
Players to watch: Nkunku to notch?
Three of Christopher Nkunku’s five goals for Chelsea this season have been scored in the Europa Conference League. The French forward looks worthy of interest at 7/4 on Boylesports for an anytime strike on Thursday evening.
FC Copenhagen will look to former Southampton man Mohamed Elyounouss for inspiration during this week’s first leg. The Norwegian international is 3/1 on Boylesports to make the net bulge against the Blues.
Predicted line-ups
Andreas Cornelius, Lukas Lerager, Nicolai Boilsen and Roony Bardghji are all injury doubts for the hosts ahead of this week’s first leg.
As was the case during the league phase, Blues boss Maresca is expected to give some of his fringe players a run out on Thursday evening.
FC Copenhagen: Ramaj, Gocholeishvili, Pereira, Garananga, Diks, Froholdt, Clem, Meling, Chiakha, Achouri, Elyounoussi
Chelsea: Jorgensen, James, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Fernandez, Dewsbury-Hall, Sancho, George, Neto, Nkunku
Anything else catch the eye?
Look for Copenhagen to earn a minimum of four corner kicks on Thursday evening at 4/5 on Bet 365.
On the domestic scene, the Danish giants are averaging in the region of 5.5 corners per game this season.
They are up against a Chelsea side that conceded four corners at home to Gent during the league phase and five away from home at Panathinaikos.
This UEFA Europa League Conference match between FC Copenhagen and Chelsea will be played on and kick off at 17:45. Check below for our tipsters best FC Copenhagen vs Chelsea prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
