Noah will need an upset of biblical proportions to beat Chelsea in the UEFA Conference League on Thursday night. The Armenian side, who usually play in front of crowds of just a few thousand, have only been around since 2017 when they were founded, but have made great strides since then.
By Graham Ruthven
Context and form
While Chelsea will be strong favourites, Noah already have three points on the board in this season’s Conference League after beating Mlada Boleslav in their first fixture. Even as they were defeated away from home to Rapid Vienna, the Armenians were competitive, losing only 1-0. Chelsea can’t afford to be complacent.
Nonetheless, this has the potential to be mismatch with Chelsea currently on a run of back-to-back victories in this season’s Conference League. Enzo Maresca’s team will be expected to make it three from three against a relative minnow on Thursday.
Key players
Maresca has so far used the Conference League to rest his best players and give a run out to Chelsea’s second string and there’s no reason to believe the Italian will change tact for the visit of Noah on Thursday.
Joao Felix, Mykhailo Mudryk and Christopher Nkunku could all be in line for a start after starting in Chelsea’s last two Conference League games against Panathinaikos and Gent. This could be another opportunity for them to prove they deserve more game time in the Premier League.
Benoit Badiashille, Kieran Dewsbury-Hall and Renato Veiga are among the others who could be picked to play against Noah. Filip Jorgensen could also start in goals just as he did against Panathinaikos and Gent.
Noah might not have the natural talent of even Chelsea’s second string, but Brazilian forward Matheus Aias has already scored in the Conference League this season with Portuguese Goncalo Gregorio also a threat in the final third.
In central midfield, Burkina Faso international Gustavo Sangare is expected to feature with Gor Manvelyan his most frequent partner in the middle of the pitch. They need to be in top form for Noah to stand any chance at Stamford Bridge.
Realistically, Ognjen Cancarevic will also need to have a good game for Noah to be competitive. The veteran goalkeeper has conceded just one goal in two Conference League matches this season, but Thursday will be his toughest test so far. He will most likely be extremely busy.
Team news
Jadon Sancho could return after missing Chelsea’s last two matches through illness, although Maresca might prefer to keep the winger fresh for this weekend’s Premier League clash with Arsenal.
Otherwise, the Blues have a fully fit squad to choose from, although Chelsea’s decision to largely register second string players for this season’s Conference League will limit Maresca’s lineup options.
This means Cole Palmer will be rested ahead of this weekend’s Premier League action, which will be a relief for Noah who won’t have to face the in-form England international.
Prediction – Chelsea 3-0 Noah
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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