Heidenheim vs Chelsea: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

Chelsea are likely to rotate once more as they have done in the cup competitions this season, though it has served them well as the Blues are unbeaten in three Conference League games with 16 goals scored and three conceded. The visitors are unbeaten in their last four in all competitions, following their recent 2-1 win over Leicester.

Heidenheim have lost four of their last five in all competitions, and are winless in their last three home games – failing to score in two of those three. Chelsea have averaged at least five goals a game in this competition so far, so expect Enzo Maresca’s side to be rampant with the options they possess in the squad – Heidenheim 0-3 Chelsea

Chelsea travel to Germany to take on Heidenheim in the Europa Conference League, with both sides looking to continue strong starts to the competition.

Date: 28/11/24

Kick-off time: 17:45

Venue: Voith-Arena

Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea side have made a perfect start to their Europa Conference League campaign with three wins from three. It is the least expected of a Chelsea squad much superior to the rest of the competition, but they have done their job so far. This means a victory this week would all but confirm their place in the knockout stages of the tournament.

They will be visiting a Heidenheim team who have also recorded maximum wins. It is the German side’s debut season in European football and they could not have asked for a better start. However, they face their biggest test of all in Chelsea. Whilst they have been strong in Europe, their league form tells a different story. After 11 games, they sit just outside the relegation zone with 10 points. They are winless in their last six league games.

As a result, expect goals in this one, particularly for the visitors. The Blues have been incredibly potent in front of goal, scoring 16 goals so far in Europe. This is double the figure of the next-highest scorers Legia Warsaw. Chelsea have benefitted from their large squad, which has allowed players such as Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson to sit out of the group stages. This has opened the door to the likes of Christopher Nkunku, who has taken his opportunity with four goals. Joao Felix and Mykhailo Mudryk have also seen some success, highlighting their strength in depth offensively.

Heidenheim have conceded just one goal in three games so far, so could take optimism from this. However, their 20 league goals allowed is amongst the worst in the Bundesliga, which does not bode well against a higher level of opposition. If they are to threaten a Chelsea defence which can be prone to errors, they will look to Marvin Pieringer, who leads the team with four goals.

This will be the first-ever meeting between Heidenheim and Chelsea. The Blues have a solid record against German opposition, winning 14 and drawing five of 27 fixtures. With this being their debut season in European competition, it is no surprise that Heidenheim have yet to face off against an English opponent.

Heidenheim vs Chelsea will be available to watch on TNT Sports 1.

Heidenheim

Heidenheim should have a mostly fit squad to choose from, though they may be without three players. Thomas Keller is building up fitness and last week came too soon for him, but could be in contention for this game. Marnon-Thomas Busch, out with a groin injury, and Julian Niehues, out with a knee injury, are both due back in December.

Chelsea

Enzo Maresca will likely make numerous changes to the starting XI, as he has frequently done in this competition. Christopher Nkunku will start up top and Filip Jorgensen will be between the sticks. Pedro Neto and Malo Gusto will hope to be involved after missing out at the weekend with a knock and illness respectively. Cole Palmer is not in the Europa Conference League squad.

Heidenheim:

In their last five games, Heidenheim have won one and lost four. It has been a tough stretch for Heidenheim in recent weeks as they have struggled for wins. This run started with a 2-1 defeat away at Hertha Berlin in the DFB-Pokal second round. A return to league action saw another loss, this time a 1-0 defeat at Holstein Keil. Patrick Erras scored the winner midway through the first half.

Europa Conference League action followed as they continued their strong start in the competition. The Germans were 2-0 winners at Hearts, with goals from Sirlord Conteh and Jan Schoppner. They were unable to bring this form into the league as they lost 3-1 at home to Wolfsburg after falling behind early. Marvin Pieringer was Heidenheim’s goalscorer.

Last time out they faced a tricky trip to Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen. They lost 5-2, despite taking an early 2-0 lead in the first half. The game was 2-2 at half-time, but the hosts put away the game in the second with goals from Patrik Schick and Granit Xhaka.

Chelsea:

In their last five games, Chelsea have won two, drawn two and lost one. It has been a solid stretch for Chelsea in recent weeks as they played across three different competitions. The first game of this run was an EFL Cup tie away at Newcastle. The Blues were eliminated from the EFL Cup with a 2-0 defeat, goals coming from Alexander Isak and Axel Disasi, who converted into his own net.

A trip to Old Trafford resulted in a 1-1 draw. Bruno Fernandes gave the hosts the lead from the spot, but a brilliant strike from Moises Caicedo ensured the points were shared. Attention shifted to the Europa Conference League in which Chelsea hosted Armenian side Noah. They were 8-0 winners with Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Guiu, Disasi, Joao Felix (x2), Mykhailo Mudryk and Christopher Nkunku (x2) all on the scoresheet.

They faced London rivals Arsenal in their last game before the international break at Stamford Bridge, holding the Gunners to a 1-1 draw. Despite going behind to a Gabriel Martinelli opener, the Blues salvaged a point with a fine finish by Pedro Neto. Their most recent game was a trip to Leicester. They won 2-1 with goals from Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez enough to secure the victory.

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