Christopher Nkunku scores again, £25m flop gets a chance and more – Chelsea predictions for Copenhagen

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Chelsea take on Copenhagen in the first leg of their last-16 Conference League tie this Thursday.

While Enzo Maresca‘s men were able to beat Southampton 4-0 last Tuesday, their form in the Premier League has not been great of late.

Considering that, some Chelsea players may be looking forward to their Conference League game and playing in a different competition.

So, what can they and supporters expect from their first-leg clash against Jacob Neestrup’s side?

• READ MORE: Jason Cundy thinks Enzo Maresca has solved the ‘big issue’ involving Christopher Nkunku, another player is to thank

Christopher Nkunku keeps up excellent record in Conference League

It has not quite happened for Christopher Nkunku in the Premier League, but the forward has been excellent in the Conference League for Chelsea this season.

In the five league phase games Nkunku played, the 27-year-old managed to score five goals. He also netted in both of the Blues’ qualifiers against Servette in August.

You would now have to back him to score again, especially after punishing Southampton last week, which should have boosted his confidence. Nkunku could sign for Bayern Munich in the summer, but while the Frenchman remains at Chelsea, he can be an asset to Maresca.

Robert Sanchez starts

Robert Sanchez started this season as Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper, but he lost his spot in the team to Filip Jorgensen after a series of bad mistakes.

With Jorgensen now the Blues’ No.1, Sanchez could become the team’s cup keeper and get the nod on Thursday.

Sanchez has not been a success at Chelsea following his £25m move from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2023. But if he can help his side to win the Conference League this term, the perception of the 27-year-old may start to change. Chelsea almost signed Matz Sels instead of him before the Belgian’s eventual switch to Nottingham Forest.

Chelsea take two-goal lead back to Stamford Bridge

Chelsea are favourites to win the Conference League trophy so will be expected to eliminate Copenhagen and make it to the quarter-finals.

The Danish side have experience in Europe and are probably one of the stronger outfits in the competition. But with their squad, Chelsea should really be wiping the floor with them.

Maresca’s men have enough quality to take a two-goal lead back to Stamford Bridge, with Nkunku being one attacker who will be hoping to get his name on the scoresheet on Thursday.