Enzo Maresca is starting to win over his doubters at Chelsea but nothing less than three points will satisfy the Stamford Bridge faithful against Gent.
The Blues limped into the group stage of the Europa Conference League courtesy of an unconvincing 3-2 aggregate victory over Swiss side Servette.
They head into Thursday’s clash in a rich vein of form having won their last four games in all competitions.
But their opponents sit third in the Belgian Pro League and will be no pushovers.
Before you consider placing a football bet with Bet777, check out our full preview of what is expected to be a pulsating affair in West London.
And do not forget that you will find a host of live betting markets to get stuck into on the night.
Chelsea vs Gent
Thursday, October 3, 8pm, TNT Sports
Stamford Bridge, London
Chelsea vs Gent Preview
The Blues have impressed in recent weeks but they will have to overcome Gent without the goals and creative flair of Cole Palmer.
In a bid to manage the England ace’s workload, Palmer has been left out of Maresca’s European squad alongside injury-prone duo Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia.
But even without Palmer, the home side will be confident of making a flying start in the group stage.
Including their star man’s four goals in the 4-2 win over Brighton, Chelsea have netted 13 times in their last four outings.
And with just two conceded, both of which were largely due to errors by keeper Robert Sanchez, Maresca’s players are beginning to reap the rewards of his approach.
Gent have lost just three times in the league this season but already find themselves six points behind leaders Genk.
A total of nine goals conceded in nine Pro League games suggests Chelsea’s attackers may not have it all their own way at the Bridge.
Yet with the likes of Nicolas Jackson, Jadon Sancho, Noni Madueke, Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, Joao Felix and Mykhailo Mudryk at his disposal, Maresca should have more than enough firepower to secure the points.
Latest Europa Conference League Betting Odds
*All odds are subject to change
Priced at 1.27, Chelsea are strong favourites to win. A draw represents better value at 5.20 while the long shot of an away victory may be worth a punt at 7.70.
Chelsea vs Gent Betting Tips
It remains to be seen whether Jackson will get the nod to start but backing the in-form hitman as first goalscorer may be too good to overlook at 5.50. Although on-loan winger Sancho has yet to open his account for the Blues, odds of 8.00 will tempt plenty of bettors.
The fact that Andri Gudjohnsen — the son of Chelsea legend Eidur Gudjohnsen — is priced at 12.00 as the first Gent player in the market speaks volumes about the prospect of the visitors breaking the deadlock.
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