Chelsea faces FC Astana in their penultimate Conference League fixture on Thursday. The West Londoners are in excellent form, aiming to preserve their perfect record. With a chance to guarantee a top-eight finish, Chelsea looks strong as they travel to Kazakhstan to face Astana.
Chelsea’s Strong Performance So Far
Chelsea has dominated the Conference League, winning all four of their opening fixtures. Their attacking prowess is evident, with 18 goals scored and only three conceded. Enzo Maresca’s squad defeated Gent 4-2, Panathinaikos 4-1, and FC Noah 8-0. They followed up with a 2-0 win against Heidenheim.
Chelsea’s 100% record places them atop the group, with a commanding position for a last-16 playoff spot. Their next game against Astana could secure a top-eight finish, easing the pressure before their final match against Shamrock Rovers.
Astana’s Struggles in the Group Stage
Astana, competing in the Conference League for the second year, has had a tough time since their opening win. They triumphed 1-0 against Backa Topola but struggled in their following fixtures. After back-to-back defeats to The New Saints (2-0) and Pafos (1-0), Astana managed a 1-1 draw with Vitoria de Guimaraes in their last match.
Astana sits 23rd in the 36-team table, clinging to a playoff position due to goal difference. With just one win in their last four games, they have a lot to prove in this home fixture.
Astana’s Home Record
Despite their struggles in the group, Astana has shown resilience at home. They are unbeaten in their last 13 home games, with 11 wins and two draws across all competitions. This includes a strong showing in the Conference League, where they’ve won four out of five fixtures at home.
Astana will be motivated to perform in front of their home crowd, hoping to upset Chelsea’s perfect record. The stakes are high for them as they aim to secure a spot in the knockout rounds.
Chelsea’s Current Form and Key Players
Chelsea enters this match on an eight-game unbeaten run in all competitions. They’ve won their last five matches, including a thrilling 4-3 victory against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League. This victory pushed them to second in the league, just four points behind Liverpool.
With such impressive form, Chelsea is expected to field a strong team despite making some changes. Key players like Christopher Nkunku and Mykhaylo Mudryk have been in excellent form, and they’ll likely feature in Kazakhstan.
Match Prediction and Betting Odds
While Astana’s home record is strong, Chelsea is the clear favorite in this fixture. The odds reflect this, with Chelsea priced at 1.40 to win. Astana’s odds are at 7.80, indicating their underdog status. A draw is priced at 5.60, though that outcome is less likely given Chelsea’s form and strength.
According to the odds, Chelsea has a 68% chance of winning this match, while Astana has only a 13% chance. The draw has a 19% chance of occurring, but Chelsea’s dominance suggests they will secure all three points.
Betting Tip: Bet on Chelsea to Win
Given Chelsea’s overwhelming form and Astana’s recent struggles, betting on a Chelsea win offers good value. Chelsea has the quality to beat Astana, even with potential rotation in their squad. With a 68% chance of victory, a win for Chelsea seems almost guaranteed, making them a strong option for this Conference League match.
For those looking to place their bets, Bangbet offers competitive odds on Chelsea to win. The odds of 1.40 represent solid value for bettors looking to back Chelsea’s continued dominance in the Conference League. With their top spot secured and Astana’s difficulties at home, Chelsea is the safer bet for this match.