Holding onto a spot in the UEFA Conference League qualification standings solely due to goal difference, Astana faces a daunting challenge to secure knockout stage football against an impeccable Chelsea side. Since the conclusion of the Kazakhstan Premier League earlier this month, Grigoriy Babayan’s team has been entirely focused on this encounter, with the manager noting that “the excitement is crazy,” despite their slim chances of pulling off an upset.
In Almaty, Astana remains unbeaten in Conference League play (W1, D1), having recently halted Vitória’s flawless run with a 1-1 draw at home. However, facing Chelsea, the 2021 Champions League victors, presents a significantly tougher test. Supporters may find solace in recalling their sole home game against English opposition, a spirited 2-1 comeback win over a heavily rotated Manchester United squad in the 2019/20 season.
Securing their spot in the knockout rounds with a fourth consecutive league phase victory, Chelsea enter this match in excellent form, posing a significant threat at the upper echelons of the Premier League. A win here would virtually guarantee their position in the top eight, and given their track record of defeating all four opponents by substantial margins, another commanding display would hardly be unexpected.

After an exhilarating 4-3 comeback against London rivals Tottenham, Enzo Maresca’s squad prepares for an extended journey to Kazakhstan, marking their debut in the country. Regardless of location, a consistent pattern for Chelsea in this Conference League has been early scoring; they’ve found the net six times within the first half-hour across their four matches.
Key players to keep an eye on: Branimir Kalaica of Astana will be focused on his role in defence, but the centre-back has demonstrated his importance by netting three goals in his last three home matches. Chelsea’s João Félix might pose a challenge for him – four out of his five goals since returning to the club have come in this tournament, including two matches where he scored twice.
Noteworthy statistic: Astana have led at half-time in three of their previous four Conference League home fixtures.
