Chelsea vs. Servette FC, UEFA Conference League Preview: Team News, How to Watch, and What to Expect

Chelsea’s reward for finishing sixth in the Premier League is a spot in the newly renamed UEFA Conference League. Formerly known as the Europa Conference League, the "Europa" has been dropped to avoid confusion with the Europa League. Despite its status as UEFA’s third-tier competition, it offers a chance for silverware—and Chelsea are in it to win it.

However, Chelsea aren’t in the group stage just yet. First, they must overcome a two-legged playoff against Swiss side Servette FC. Humility is key, as Chelsea must navigate this challenge to secure their place in the tournament proper.

Chelsea vs. Servette FC: UEFA Conference League Preview

Chelsea Team News:

Chelsea’s squad has been trimmed down to 26 players registered for the UEFA Conference League. This includes 22 "A-list" players and four from the B-list, such as Levi Colwill and Tyrique George. Notably, Tosin Adarabioyo is back on the list after being accidentally omitted. However, big names like Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, and Đorđe Petrović have not made the cut. Reece James is included despite a hamstring injury, although it’s unlikely he’ll play. Wesley Fofana is also being managed carefully after a long injury layoff. João Félix, a recent signing, did not arrive in time to be registered for this match.

Chelsea’s new season under manager Enzo Maresca began with a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City last weekend. While that game lacked excitement, the real test begins with this UEFA Conference League playoff.

Servette FC Team News:

Servette FC, one of Switzerland’s historical football giants, has endured financial troubles and relegation over the past two decades. They’ve recently stabilized, finishing third in the Swiss Super League last season and winning the Swiss Cup. Under new head coach Thomas Häberli, the team’s form has been inconsistent, with four wins in eight matches. They recently lost narrowly to SC Braga in the Europa League qualifiers, dropping them into the UEFA Conference League playoffs.

Servette’s attacking threat is led by midfielder Dereck Kutesa, who has scored five goals in eight matches this season. Striker Enzo Crivelli, however, has struggled, with just one goal in seven appearances. Assistant coach Bojan Dimić compared facing Chelsea to "climbing Mount Everest without oxygen," emphasizing the challenge ahead.

How to Watch:

• Date / Time: Thursday, April 22, 20.00 BST; 3pm EDT; 12:30am IST (next day)
• Venue: Stamford Bridge, SW6
• Referee: Jérémie Pignard (on pitch); Benoît Millot (VAR)
• Forecast: A "fresh breeze," according to the BBC.
• On TV: RTS 2 (Switzerland); none (elsewhere)
• Streaming: Chelsea TV (£4.99/$6.49)

This marks Chelsea’s first-ever match against Servette FC and their debut in the UEFA Conference League. Their last appearance in any UEFA competition was a 2-0 home defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals in April 2023.

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