After a turbulent first season at the helm of Chelsea, Enzo Maresca has the perfect way to end the year in style.
A UEFA Conference League final awaits the west London folk, who’ll be desperate to get their hands on a trophy after almost four years without a new entry to their fabled cabinet.
Chelsea’s route to the final was smooth, with convincing victories over Copenhagen, Legia Warszawa and Djurgården. The Blues were able to breeze their way through, without needing to flex their muscles fully.
But Maresca’s men will have to be on their toes come Wednesday night, or else Antony and his Real Betis side will punish Chelsea.
Betis head into the final with confidence oozing, having lost just four of their last 25 matches since Antony arrived in the January transfer window.
The Brazilian has come alive in Spain, scoring nine goals and assisting five in his short stint so far.
Neutralising Antony’s threat could be the key to victory for Maresca’s side. But the optimisation of Cole Palmer is another.
With the talent he possesses, if Chelsea can get the best out of him in this game, then the odds will likely favour the West London side.
Failure to do so though, could put huge pressure on the Italian manager as fans are already getting agitated by the change in Palmer’s performances since his arrival.
So, Maresca’s lineup is essential to victory in the final.
Chelsea predicted XI vs Real Betis in Conference League final
- GK – Filip Jörgensen: Maresca has confirmed the Dane will be between the sticks for Chelsea.
- RB – Reece James: Whether he can start back-to-back games in just three days is the critical factor, else Malo Gusto could feature ahead of him.
- CB – Levi Colwill: A consistent presence at the back, he has to be in there.
- CB – Trevoh Chalobah: He might just get the nod ahead of Benoît Badiashile.
- LB – Marc Cucurella: He’s nailed down his spot all season, the final will be no different.
- MID – Moisés Caicedo: He’s arguably Chelsea’s best player this season. Caicedo has already spoken about how desperate he is to win the UEFA Conference League. You need players with that hunger, he’s got to start.
- MID – Enzo Fernández: While doubts remain over the Argentine, his talent is evident and it’d be a mistake not to start him.
- RAM – Noni Madueke: With three goals in four games already in the competition, Madueke will be gutted if he’s not to play from the beginning.
- AM – Cole Palmer: He may not be in great form but you can’t leave a player with his ability out, he can win the game on his own.
- LAM – Pedro Neto: Maresca might just give Neto the nod ahead of Jadon Sancho, who’s starred in this competition.
- ST – Nicolas Jackson: Back from suspension, Jackson will lead the line for The Blues.
Chelsea vs Real Betis Conference League final prediction
Chelsea 2-1 Real Betis
When Chelsea were drawn into the Conference League, most expected it to be a walk in the park.
But this final could go either way.
Chelsea will be full of confidence following their Champions League qualification but Betis won’t fear the west London side, with the wind firmly in their sails as well.
While the media attention has all been on Antony, one player to keep an eye on is Cédric Bakambu. The Congolese forward has scored seven goals in the Conference League this season, which is the second most in the competition.
He’ll certainly be looking to wreak havoc in The Blues’ backline, which Maresca must be wary of.
But Chelsea aren’t short of firepower. Their arsenal is enough to match any team and this could prove vital in the latter stages of the game when fresh legs are needed.
The ability to bring on Conference League star Sancho could be the difference in what is likely to be a tight affair.
This late quality will give Chelsea the edge to just sneak an added-time victory.
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