Chelsea vs Noah Preview
- Chelsea to win
- Over 2.5 goals
Chelsea host Armenian side Noah in a UEFA Conference League clash, looking to continue their perfect start in the competition.
With a commanding position at the top of the table, a win here would reinforce Chelsea’s push for a top-eight finish, while Noah aims to make an impression in their first campaign after navigating a challenging qualification path.
Chelsea: Maintaining European Momentum and Seeking Defensive Stability
Chelsea have started their Conference League campaign strongly, with consecutive wins over Gent (4-2) and Panathinaikos (4-1).
However, defensive frailties have been a concern for Enzo Maresca’s side, as they have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last eight matches across all competitions, a streak that stretches back to their 5-0 Carabao Cup victory over Barrow in September.
With a significant Premier League fixture against Arsenal on the horizon, Maresca may field a rotated lineup to rest key players.
Nonetheless, ending their defensive woes will be as important as securing the win, as Chelsea have demonstrated the capability of keeping clean sheets at home in Europe, achieving wins ‘to nil’ in three of their four recent European home games before the current campaign.
Noah: Underdogs with a Strong Qualifying Record
Noah’s Conference League journey has been remarkable, as they became the first team to reach the league phase after successfully navigating all four qualifying rounds.
After a 2-0 victory over Mladá Boleslav, they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Rapid Vienna, placing them mid-table in the group.
While Noah are winless in their last four away games (D1, L3) in this competition, they will enter Stamford Bridge with confidence, having won five of their past six matches across all competitions and conceding just one goal across those victories.
Noah’s strong recent domestic form, including a 2-1 win over Urartu, could provide them with a boost against a Chelsea side struggling defensively.
Key Players to Watch
Jadon Sancho (Chelsea)
Sancho, having recovered from illness, is expected to feature and could be a valuable attacking option for Chelsea.
He scored in his first European home appearance last season for Borussia Dortmund, and his flair and creativity could prove crucial against Noah’s defence.
Gonçalo Gregório (Noah)
Gregório has been in fine form domestically, scoring four times in his last four appearances. Although he is yet to open his European account, his eye for goal makes him a player to watch, as he looks to exploit Chelsea’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Tactical Insights: Chelsea’s Attacking Edge vs. Noah’s Resilience
Chelsea will look to take control early, pressing Noah’s defence and using players like Sancho to create chances.
Maresca’s side has been prolific in attack in the Conference League, scoring eight goals across their first two matches, but defensive discipline will be key to avoiding any surprises.
Noah, meanwhile, is likely to adopt a compact, counter-attacking approach. Gregório’s recent scoring form will be important as they aim to make the most of any opportunities Chelsea’s defence might afford them.
Noah’s success will depend on maintaining defensive organisation and seizing on Chelsea’s lack of clean sheets.
Final Thoughts
This encounter at Stamford Bridge presents an opportunity for Chelsea to solidify their position in the Conference League while addressing their defensive issues.
Noah, however, will seek to capitalise on any defensive lapses and continue their impressive debut in the competition.
Can Chelsea maintain their perfect record in the league phase, or will Noah pull off a surprise result in London?
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Chelsea vs Noah | UEFA Conference League 2024/25