FC Copenhagen v Chelsea – Line-ups, stats and preview

Match Preview for FC Copenhagen v Chelsea

The tests might start getting slightly tougher for Chelsea in the Europa Conference League knockouts, starting with a tie against Copenhagen.

Enzo Maresca’s Blues breezed through the initial league phase, posting a perfect record of six wins and no losses, conceding just five goals along the way.

Despite their 18th-placed finish and path through the play-offs, Copenhagen are one of the stronger teams in the competition, although still considered huge underdogs for this tie.

Cole Palmer has been added to the squad by his manager after being left out for the first six games to give him rest across the season, and his presence will only strengthen the Blues as they look to deliver another European trophy to Stamford Bridge.

The two teams have faced each other twice before, back in 2011 in the Champions League, with Chelsea winning both fixtures in a two-legged tie.

And they will need to find another level on this occasion against the competition’s top scorers, who have faded away in the Premier League and are now fighting for a Champions League place.

Copenhagen are top of the Danish league and have their eyes fixed on a possible upset, if they can get themselves ahead in front of a home crowd.

#CFC were the only side to win all six of our matches in the league phase of this season’s #UECL. ✊🏆 pic.twitter.com/fWbq9GrMTQ

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 4, 2025

Team news for FC Copenhagen v Chelsea

Copenhagen come into the clash with a few injury concerns. Andreas Cornelius and Roony Bardghji are both out, as is winger Jordan Larsson.

Giorgi Gocholeishvili, Mohamed Elyounoussi and Elias Achouri are expected to be selected in supportive roles behind striker Amin Chiakha.

Midfielders William Clem and Victor Froholdt both started their side’s second-leg victory against Heidenheim in a double pivot, and they are likely to retain their places.

Chelsea have a few concerns themselves, with defenders Benoit Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah ruled out.

Nicolas Jackson also remains sidelined for the visitors, as is winger Noni Madueke.

This paves the way for Jadon Sancho, Pedro Neto and Christopher Nkunku to start, with Palmer as a backup option from the bench if needed.

Expected line-ups for FC Copenhagen v Chelsea

Copenhagen: Ramaj; Diks, Pereira, Garananga, Meling; Clem, Froholdt; Gocholeishvili, Elyounoussi, Achouri; Chiakha

Chelsea: Jorgensen; Gusto, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Sancho, Dewsbury-Hall, Nkunku; Neto

Charging up for Chelsea🔌🔋

🧵⤵️#fcklive #uecl pic.twitter.com/PjY7egbHhA

— F.C. København (@FCKobenhavn) March 5, 2025

How to watch FC Copenhagen v Chelsea: TV channel, online stream

The match will kick-off at 17:45 and is available to watch on TNT Sports 4. Fans in the UK will be able to stream the game online through the discovery+ app.