Chelsea can cap off their first season under Enzo Maresca with a major trophy when they face Real Betis in the Europa Conference League final on Wednesday. The Blues have already secured a spot in next season’s Champions League after a tough victory over Nottingham Forest on the final day of the Premier League campaign.
Real Betis presents the toughest test Chelsea have encountered in the competition so far, led by Manuel Pellegrini’s side featuring a revitalized Isco and Antony. Chelsea will be hoping to have Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson back after his suspension for a straight red card against Newcastle United forced him to miss the last three league matches. In his absence, Pedro Neto and Tyrique George have filled the attacking roles, but Jackson is expected to return to lead the line in the final.
Christopher Nkunku, who missed the Forest game, might be included in the squad for added attacking options. He has been influential in the Conference League this season, scoring five goals in nine appearances. However, defender Wesley Fofana remains out due to injury, and Romeo Lavia is also unavailable, as he wasn’t registered for the competition.
Jadon Sancho has been a key creative force with five assists in this campaign’s Conference League matches. Starting in both legs of the quarterfinals and semifinals, Sancho could feature again in what might be his final appearance for Chelsea amid uncertainty over his future at Stamford Bridge. Alongside him, Noni Madueke and Cole Palmer are likely to form part of the attacking trio as Chelsea chase silverware to conclude their season.