Chelsea v Real Betis predicted XI: Palmer dropped for final, 4 changes
Chelsea take on Real Betis in Wroclaw on Wednesday (28 May) evening, in the Europa Conference League final.
The Blues have already secured their place in the Champions League, after finishing fourth in the Premier League.
On the final day, Chelsea beat Nottingham Forest 1-0, to ensure that they would be back among Europe’s elite next season.
However, Enzo Maresca’s side will want to finish the campaign with some silverware and complete what has been a relatively simple run in the competition.
Palmer dropped after poor performances
Cole Palmer has rarely started games in the Conference League this season, and it is expected he will be benched once again by Maresca following a poor run of form.
The 23-year-old will likely be replaced in the number ten role by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who, despite a lack of game time domestically, has impressed in Europe.
| Games | Goals | Assists |
| 14 | 4 | 1 |
After being sent off against Newcastle, Nicolas Jackson will return from his suspension on Wednesday, to lead the line in the final.
Pedro Neto was forced to play as the lone striker against Forest, and the former Wolves man could miss out with Noni Madueke and Jadon Sancho on the flanks.
Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez will control the centre of midfield, with Romeo Lavia ineligible after not being included in the Conference League squad.
Maresca has already announced that Filip Jorgensen will keep his spot as Chelsea’s European goalkeeper, and Benoit Badiashile is likely to continue his run of starts in the competition.
Chelsea must be wary of Betis
Football Insider Verdict
All the way through the competition, Maresca’s side have been expected to win games comfortably, and for the most part, they have delivered.
In the semi-finals, Chelsea beat Swedish side Djugarden 4-1 in the first leg, before completing the job with a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge.
However, Real Betis are probably the best side the Blues have faced in the Conference League, with the Spanish side finishing 6th in their domestic league.
Man United loanee Antony has impressed during his time at Betis, and Chelsea must be wary of the threat that the winger poses.
The Brazilian has been especially prolific in the Conference League, managing four goals and three assists in his eight appearances in the competition.
Despite the step up in quality of opponent, Maresca will still expect his side to get the job done in Wroclaw.