Chelsea vs FC Noah Yerevan: UEFA Conference League Preview, Team News & Predictions.
Chelsea return to UEFA Conference League action this Thursday against FC Noah Yerevan of Armenia. Chelsea look to maintain their unbeaten start to their European campaign against one of the youngest sides in the competition, who were founded in 2017. Enzo Maresca’s side are strong favourites for the competition after their emphatic wins against KAA Gent and Panathinaikos, respectively.
Despite the fact that the choice to make drastic adjustments between the league and cup has so far produced satisfying results, the SW6 side were eliminated from the Carabao Cup at the hands of Newcastle last week following a 2-0 loss at St. James’s Park.
With that in mind, it’ll be fascinating to see what Maresca does here, with this match coming on the back of a draw at Old Trafford and just a few days before Arsenal make the trip to Stamford Bridge.
History Makers: FC Noah Yerevan
FC Noah Yerevan are an Armenian Premier League team who are based in Armavir. The competition debutants finished second in their respective league last year, which led to this year’s European journey.
Based in Stepanakert, the Armenian side were founded in 2017, formerly under the name FC Artsakh. In 2019, the Armenians moved to Armavir and changed their name to FC Noah. The club’s success became evident following the 2019 rebranding and ownership shift. In the 2019-20 season, they defeated Ararat-Armenia on penalties to win the Armenian Cup , crowning the club with their first significant piece of silverware.
Following this success, Noah qualified for the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers for the first time, which signalled the start of their European adventure.
Although the Armenians failed in their first attempt at reaching the group stage in the 2021-22 season, the side finished second in the Armenian Premier League last season, meaning they’d have another crack at making it into the group phase.
Being the only team in history to qualify for the Conference League qualifiers in the first round and advance through all four rounds, they created history.
Before a thrilling 4-3 aggregate victory over Ružomberok in the play-off round, they had already defeated Shkëndija, Sliema Wanderers, and Greek giants AEK Athens.
They maintained their winning streak into the competition’s first matchday on October 3, 2024, defeating FK Mladá Boleslav of the Czech First League 2-0 at their home stadium, Abovyan Stadium.
In their last outing, they were defeated 1-0 away to SK Rapid.
Team News:
The Blues are expected to make wholesale changes from last weekend’s Premier League clash with Manchester United. Given the level of opposition, Maresca could even provide some youngsters with more minutes. Tyrique George is one of these players in question. He was given a half hour against Panathinaikos, in which he impressed.
Cole Palmer will be able to recuperate following his slight knee issue picked up in the United game before Chelsea’s visit from Arsenal this weekend, as he is not in the European squad at this stage.
The left-wing selection would be another up for debate. Pedro Neto’s cup form has seen him pick up back-to-back Premier League starts in the absence of Jadon Sancho. With Sancho now being confirmed out yet again, will Neto have to step up again, or will we see one of the aforementioned academy talents get the first team minutes that they desire?
For the visitors, left back Gudmundur Thorarinsson limped off against Rapid Vienna two weeks ago and joins midfielder Martin Gambos on the sidelines.
In terms of a player to watch for, Goncalo Gregorio has been in fine league form for the visitors, notching 6 goals in 9 league games so far. He will be looking to add to his European tally at the Bridge following his goals against AEK and Ruzomerok in qualifying.
Prediction for Chelsea vs FC Noah
With all due reverence, the depth and talent of the Blues will more than likely prove too much for Armenian newcomers regardless of Maresca’s team selection. A win would see Chelsea solidify their place at the top end of the league table, almost certifying themselves a place in the knockout stage.
A comfortable home win would allow the hosts to swiftly turn their attention to Sunday’s clash with title hopefuls Arsenal.
Chelsea to win 4-1.
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