Chelsea take on Astana in the Conference League this afternoon after making a long trip over to Kazakhstan.
The Blues faced an eight-hour flight and could see temperatures that drop below minus-10 degrees for an away day Enzo Maresca could probably do without.
Chelsea, though, can afford to rotate, having won their first four Conference League matches to already leave themselves on the verge of securing a place in the last 16.
Astana, meanwhile, sit down in 23rd in the league phase table and were beaten 2-0 by Welsh side TNS in their last Conference League match.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Astana vs Chelsea is scheduled for 3:30pm GMT kick-off time today on Thursday December 12, 2024.
The match will take place at the Almaty Central Stadium, as the hosts’ main ground is currently undergoing renovation.
Where to watch Astana vs Chelsea
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on TNT Sports 2. Coverage starts at 3pm GMT.
Live stream: TNT Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Discovery+ app and website.
Live blog: You can follow all the action via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert analysis from Chelsea correspondent Malik Ouzia.
Astana vs Chelsea team news
Maresca has confirmed that Josh Acheampong will make the squad and is likely to start against Astana, for what would be his full debut. The Blues have confirmed a young squad has made the long journey as Maresca’s rotation policy continues.
Cesare Casadei is suspended after he was sent off against Heidenheim last time out, while Mykhailo Mudryk missed training on Wednesday as he continues to battle illness. Senior defenders Reece James and Wesley Fofana are both injured.
Suspended: Chelsea midfielder Cesare Casadei will miss the trip to Kazakhstan (Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Astana vs Chelsea prediction
Chelsea will be confident of extending their perfect Conference League record, even with a youthful and rotated side.
The temperatures will ensure it is not a comfortable night for the Blues, regardless of the result, but they should prove too strong for their hosts.
Chelsea to win, 2-1
Head to head (h2h) history and results
This will be the first competitive match between the two sides.
