Chelsea dominated the Conference League with six wins out of six, scoring 26 goals. Their success was partly due to the impressive performances of players like Marc Guiu, who scored a hat-trick, and Joshua Acheampong, who showcased his versatility and technical skills.
Chelsea has struggled at Goodison Park, losing five of their last six visits. The Blues will need to overcome their poor record at Everton's ground, where the atmosphere can be intense and Everton has shown recent resilience, including a draw against Arsenal.
Mykhailo Mudryk has been provisionally suspended by the FA after an adverse finding in a routine urine test. The situation is still under investigation, with the results of his B sample pending. If the B sample confirms the adverse finding, Mudryk could face a significant ban, which would be a major setback for both him and Chelsea.
Marc Guiu's hat-trick in the Conference League has boosted his confidence and development at Chelsea. However, with no Conference League games until March, his playing time could be limited. Manager Enzo Maresca has expressed a desire for Guiu to stay but acknowledged that the player might consider a loan move for more game time.
Kieran Dewsbury-Hall, who joined Chelsea recently, has struggled to break into the first team and may consider a move in January. Manager Enzo Maresca hinted that Dewsbury-Hall might not fit into the current squad, suggesting a potential loan or permanent exit could be on the cards.
Enzo Maresca has shown strong leadership and communication skills, handling various challenges, including player suspensions and team dynamics, effectively. His approach has been praised for creating a positive atmosphere and maintaining a sense of control within the squad.
Chelsea is in talks with several companies for a shirt sponsorship deal, but negotiations have been slow as the club aims to maximize value. The lack of a sponsor has been a point of discussion, but some fans appreciate the clean look of the shirt without a sponsor.
26 goals in six games... don't you just love Thursday nights?
Matt Davies-Adams in joined by two of The Athletic’s finest - Luke Bosher and Simon Johnson to round off a rather eventful week at Chelsea Football Club.
We begin with matters on the pitch, and another thumping Conference League victory on Thursday night as the Blues beat Shamrock Rovers 5-1 to make it six wins from six in the league phase. We praise the tenacity of Marc Guiu, the impressive showing from Josh Acheampong and the future of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Next up a trip to unhappy hunting ground Goodison Park awaits! We preview Sunday’s trip to Merseyside as the Blues look to end a run which has seen them lose five of their last six visits to Everton.
But before that, we discuss the news which broke on Tuesday morning that ** **Mykhailo Mudryk has been provisionally suspended by the FA after an "adverse finding in a routine urine test".
Plus, there’s a round up of the rest of the Blues news elsewhere including another Champions League win for CFCW - and the last quiz of the year!
HOST: Matt Davies-Adams
WITH: Luke Bosher and Simon Johnson
PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva
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