Chelsea will aim to end a memorable 2024/25 campaign on a high when they lock horns with Real Betis in the UEFA Europa Conference League final at Stadion Miejski on Wednesday night. Enzo Maresca has greeted positive updates on the team news front ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Nicolas Jackson is in the travelling squad after missing the last two Premier League games due to suspension. In addition, Christopher Nkunku is in the group after recovering from his latest fitness issue. So, Wesley Fofana is the only player on the sidelines due to injury as he continues to recover from his hamstring complaint.
However, Romeo Lavia is not in the UEFA Europa Conference League squad, while Mykhailo Mudryk continues serving a suspension after failing a doping test a few months ago. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Maresca discussed Jackson’s impending return to his team.
The Chelsea manager said, “Newcastle away was an important game, and he left his team-mates with ten players for one hour. He is a good guy, recognised his mistake and apologised with his team-mates, which was important. So, I am sure tomorrow he is going to do a very good game for us.”
Meanwhile, Maresca also discussed the importance of winning Wednesday’s game for his squad. He said, “The message over the last 48 hours has been, We did something important [qualifying for the Champions League], but if we want to confirm that we are becoming an important club again, we need to show the desire to win the game and the trophy.”
The Chelsea boss continued, “So it’s job done [in the Premier League], fantastic, and we’re happy. But tomorrow is a different game, a final, and we want to win at any cost. Every day we have something to prove, no doubt. What we have done [qualifying for the Champions League] is done. Now we have to prove ourselves again tomorrow.”
Filip Jorgensen will return to the starting lineup, with the Blues lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him against Real Betis on Wednesday. The backline should feature Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, Levi Colwill, and Marc Cucurella.
As for the midfield unit, there is no looking past Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo in the double pivot. So, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall will be a backup option on the bench. Cole Palmer will reprise the no. 10 role, with Jadon Sancho and Pedro Neto being the two wide attackers. Finally, Nicolas Jackson will lead the line for his team against Real Betis on Wednesday.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Jorgensen; James; Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson
