FC Copenhagen vs Chelsea Preview

• Chelsea to win
• Nkunku to score or assist

The Round of 16 in the UEFA Conference League kicks off with an intriguing first-leg showdown between Copenhagen and Chelsea, two of the strongest teams remaining in the competition.

These sides have a shared European history, having met twice before in the knockout rounds—in the 1998/99 Cup Winners’ Cup and the 2010/11 UEFA Champions League—with Chelsea progressing on both occasions.

Copenhagen will be eager to avoid another elimination at Chelsea’s hands, and their solid home record could help them spring a surprise.

However, they did suffer a rare defeat at Parken Stadium against Heidenheim in the group phase of this tournament, which suggests they are not invincible on home turf.

Chelsea, meanwhile, enter this contest with plenty to prove. While their Conference League performances have been flawless, their domestic form has been inconsistent.

A 4-0 win over Southampton last weekend provided a much-needed boost after three consecutive league defeats, and they will now look to continue their dominant European campaign, having won all six of their group stage matches while scoring 26 goals—the most in the competition.

With Chelsea boasting firepower and Copenhagen’s strong home record, this first leg promises to be a compelling contest.

Key Stats & Facts

• Chelsea have eliminated Copenhagen twice before in European knockout ties (1998/99 & 2010/11).
• Copenhagen have lost only once in their last nine home matches across all competitions (W6, D2, L1).
• Chelsea were the only side to win all six of their Conference League group matches.
• Chelsea have scored 26 goals in the tournament so far—at least eight more than any other team.
• Copenhagen’s Kevin Diks has scored ten goals this season—all from the penalty spot!
• Christopher Nkunku has been Chelsea’s standout performer in the Conference League with eight goal contributions (5 goals, 3 assists).

Copenhagen: Can They Spring an Upset?

Copenhagen have been a resilient force at Parken Stadium, and they’ll need to bring their best performance to stand a chance against a Chelsea side with an attacking edge.

Their only home defeat in their last nine matches came in this competition against Heidenheim, so they know how dangerous European nights can be.

One area where Copenhagen will be confident is set-pieces and penalties, with Kevin Diks netting all ten of his goals this season from the spot. If Chelsea’s defence isn’t careful, they could give away dangerous opportunities.

Recent Form (All Competitions)

• Superliga: Copenhagen 2-1 Brøndby – Win
• Superliga: Copenhagen 1-1 Midtjylland – Draw
• Superliga: Randers 1-2 Copenhagen – Win
• UEFA Conference League: Copenhagen 3-1 Ludogorets – Win
• Superliga: Copenhagen 1-2 Heidenheim – Loss

Key Player: Kevin Diks (Defender/Set-Piece Specialist)

• 10 goals this season—all from the penalty spot.
• An aerial threat from set-pieces.
• Will be key in both defence and attack.

Chelsea: Ready to Dominate Europe?

Despite their domestic struggles, Chelsea have been by far the best team in the UEFA Conference League. With 26 goals in six group games, they have obliterated opponents with their attacking power.

However, defensive inconsistency and a lack of rhythm in the Premier League could still be concerning signs for Mauricio Pochettino.

While Chelsea have looked unstoppable in Europe, Copenhagen will provide a more serious challenge compared to some of the weaker sides they faced in the group stage.

With Christopher Nkunku in exceptional European form (5 goals, 3 assists), Chelsea will once again look to him for inspiration.

Recent Form (All Competitions)

• Premier League: Chelsea 4-0 Southampton – Win
• Premier League: Aston Villa 2-1 Chelsea – Loss
• Premier League: Chelsea 1-3 Liverpool – Loss
• Premier League: Chelsea 0-1 West Ham – Loss
• UEFA Conference League: Chelsea 4-1 Union SG – Win

Key Player: Christopher Nkunku (Forward)

• 5 goals & 3 assists in the Conference League.
• A creative force in attack.
• Chelsea’s best performer in European competition.

Team News & Predicted Lineups

Copenhagen Team News

• No major injury concerns for manager Jacob Neestrup.
• Andreas Cornelius expected to lead the attack.
• Kevin Diks will be a major threat on set-pieces.

Chelsea Team News

• Injuries remain a concern for Maresca.
• Enzo Fernández, Reece James, and Wesley Fofana remain sidelined.
• Nkunku expected to start after being rested against Southampton.

Head-to-Head Record (European Competitions)

Key Trends

• Chelsea have never lost to Copenhagen (W2, D2).
• Copenhagen have never scored at home against Chelsea in Europe.
• The last time Chelsea played in Denmark, they won 2-0.

Match Prediction

Chelsea are clear favourites, given their perfect record in the competition and attacking dominance. However, Copenhagen’s home form and physical approach could frustrate the Blues, making it a closer game than expected.

Chelsea’s superior squad depth and attacking quality should ultimately be enough to secure a first-leg advantage, but Copenhagen may cause them problems—especially from set-pieces.

Final Score Prediction: Copenhagen 1-3 Chelsea

• Chelsea to continue their perfect European run.
• Nkunku to get on the scoresheet.
• Copenhagen to threaten from set-pieces but ultimately fall short.
• Chelsea to take a commanding lead into the second leg at Stamford Bridge.

For more info on this game, you may also visit:
Copenhagen vs Chelsea | UEFA Conference League 2024/25