Chelsea travel to Switzerland to face Servette in the second leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League playoff tie on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at the Stade de Genève. 

Holding a two-goal lead from the first leg, the Blues are in a strong position to secure their place in the group stage of the competition. Servette, meanwhile, will be looking to overcome the deficit on home soil and cause an upset.

Servette Hope for a Comeback | Home Win = 4.63

Despite a spirited performance in the first leg, Servette fell to a 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge. The Swiss side created numerous opportunities, outshooting Chelsea 22-14, but failed to convert their chances. With their home crowd behind them, Servette will need to be more clinical if they are to overturn the two-goal deficit.

Head coach Thomas Haberli has insisted that his team won't give up, although he admitted that overcoming Chelsea's quality will be a significant challenge. The Maroons have struggled recently, winless in all their last five (5) games including that 2-0 loss to Chelsea.

Despite these setbacks, Servette did not play a game this past weekend and that rest over the past week could work in their favour, providing them with the energy needed to mount a comeback.

Chelsea Look to Secure Group Stage Spot | Away Win = 1.72

Chelsea head into this match with a comfortable 2-0 lead, thanks to second-half goals from Christopher Nkunku and Noni Madueke in the first leg. Enzo Maresca's side is coming off a commanding 6-2 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League, highlighting their attacking prowess.

The Blues have won their last three away games and will look to extend this run in Switzerland. Maresca is expected to rotate his squad, giving opportunities to players like Joao Felix, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Filip Jorgensen.

With several players rested from the weekend's Premier League action, Chelsea’s depth should give them the edge to manage the game effectively and secure their spot in the group stage of the Conference League.

Key Players & Team News:

Players like Enzo Crivelli and Dereck Kutesa, who have five goals in nine games this season for the Swiss side in all competitions, will be crucial in the attack as they try to complete what would be a “legendary comeback”.

Servette will likely stick with the 4-2-3-1 formation used in the first leg, with Enzo Crivelli or Jeremy Guillemenot leading the line. Victory Beniangba remains out due to injury, limiting Haberli's options up front.

Theo Magnin and Alexis Antunes are pushing for starts, as Servette looks for the right combination to break down Chelsea’s defence. Chelsea are set to be without captain Reece James due to a hamstring injury. Wesley Fofana, Ben Chilwell, and Raheem Sterling have also been left out of the Conference League squad.

Midfield options may be impacted, with Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo carrying injuries. Christopher Nkunku and Noni Madueke, who were instrumental in the first-leg victory, are expected to feature again, providing the creative spark.

Match Stats & Betting Odds | Draw = 4.28

Servette has conceded a combined eleven (11) goals in four (4) of their last five (5) games in all competitions (2-0, 1-7, 1-2, 0-6). | Main Market: Handicap (1:0 Away) = 2.65

Chelsea have won all their last two games with an aggregate score of 8-2, which includes a 2-0 win over their opponents last Thursday. | Specials Market: Away & Over 2.5 Goals = 2.10

Servette netted in only two (2) of their last five (5) games in all competitions while Chelsea have scored in four (4) of their last five (5) games in all competitions. | Specials Market: Away & Under 3.5 Goals = 2.90

Follow and bet on the UEFA Europa Conference League game, Servette vs. Chelsea, on MSport here.

West Ham United and Bournemouth will face off in the EFL Cup second round on Wednesday, August 27, at the London Stadium. 

Both teams have made solid starts to their Premier League campaigns and will be eager to continue their momentum in this domestic cup clash.

West Ham, UEFA Conference League champions two seasons ago under sacked manager David Moyes, aims to make a strong statement in domestic competitions under new manager Julen Lopetegui.

Bournemouth, on the other hand, are looking to capitalize on a promising start to yet another season under Andoni Iraola, making this a thrilling encounter between two in-form teams.

West Ham Look to Build Momentum Under New Boss | Home Win = 2.11

West Ham come into this fixture on the back of a 2-0 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace, which marked Lopetegui's first win in charge. Goals from Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen ensured the Hammers bounced back from an opening-day defeat to Aston Villa.

With a strong defensive performance at Selhurst Park, Lopetegui will be aiming for back-to-back wins to keep the positive momentum going. Historically, West Ham has a decent record in the EFL Cup, reaching the quarter-finals six times since 2011.

However, they have never won the competition and have not reached the final since 1981. Lopetegui will hope to break this trend and deliver more silverware to the club, especially after their successful European campaign last year.

Bournemouth Aim for an Upset | Away Win = 3.14

Bournemouth have started their Premier League campaign with two consecutive 1-1 draws, showing resilience against tough opposition. The Cherries were unfortunate not to claim victory against Newcastle United, with a late winner disallowed by VAR for handball.

Manager, Andoni Iraola expressed his frustration at the decision, but the team’s performance provided a glimpse of their potential. Bournemouth will look to build on their promising start and take advantage of West Ham’s possible squad rotation.

With a strong cup tradition, the Cherries have only been eliminated early by eventual finalists or champions in recent years. Iraola will be keen to continue this fighting spirit and advance further in the competition.

Key Players & Team News:

West Ham might rotate their squad to give opportunities to new signings. Niclas Fullkrug could start up front, while Crysencio Summerville may feature beside him on the flanks.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jean-Clair Todibo are expected to make their debuts in defence, as Bowen and Lucas Paqueta might be rested after their involvement in the win against Crystal Palace.

For Bournemouth, recent signing Evanilson is expected to lead the line again after a lively debut against Newcastle alongside Semenyo and Tavernier.

With Enes Unal, Tyler Adams, and David Brooks still out injured, Iraola might rotate the squad, bringing in Dango Ouattara, Alex Scott, and Luis Sinisterra. New defender Dean Huijsen could also get his first start.

Match Stats & Betting Odds | Draw = 3.74

West Ham has a strong recent record against Bournemouth in their recent meetings, beating them twice (2) and drawing them twice (2) in their last five (5) encounters in all competitions. | Specials Market: Home/Draw & Over 2.5 = 2.40 

Bournemouth are the most in-form of the two teams going into this game, having won two (2) games, drew two (2) games and lost just one game in their last five (5) competitive matches. | Specials Market: Draw/Away & Over 1.5 = 2.08

Both West Ham and Bournemouth have scored at least one (1) goal in their last five (5) games in all competitions and have seen goal-goal (GG) in three (3) of their last five (5) encounters. | Main Market: Over 2.5 = 1.69.

You can follow and bet on the EFL Cup game, West Ham vs Bournemouth, on MSport here.