Image source, Getty ImagesChelsea have conceded at least once in all six of their Premier League home games this season - they last had a longer wait for a home clean sheet from the start of a league campaign in 1978-79 (nine games).
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your thoughts after Thursday's Conference League game between Heidenheim and Chelsea.
Here are some of your comments:
Nicholas: Another win for the second team. However, after we scored the first goal, we looked so arrogant. The players on the pitch didn't want to show their quality to Enzo Maresca, resulting in a shaky 30 minutes. Yes these are 'easier' fixtures, but everyone who doesn't start in the Premier League should be fighting their socks off in Europe. Disappointed...
PC Anozie: A good performance, just like in previous games in the competition. I still have some concerns with the backline and the goalkeeper. The goalkeeper nearly made a costly mistake that would have resulted in the opponent scoring, which would have changed the face of the game from that moment onwards. Kudos to the Blues.
Keith: The first time we play a decent side and we struggle. There were too many strollers playing who think all they have to do is turn up. Lucky - very lucky.
Andrew: Dewsbury-Hall is not Premier League material. A lucky win. We need to find a second midfield pairing because Casadei and KDH were poor! Nkunku looks unhappy, but we will need him. This is not helping us to win the league!
Chris: I'm really wondering about Maresca's judgement, particularly if he thinks Renato Veiga is a better alternative to Ben Chilwell, and again he played the appalling Disasi and Badiashile. Jorgensen is head and shoulders above Sanchez as a competent goalkeeper, so why does he keep picking Sanchez? His judgement worries me, I'm afraid.
Who scored Chelsea's first Premier League goal of the 2024-25 season?
Answer will be revealed at 17:00 GMT
Manchester United are lining up a £50m move to rival Chelsea for 22-year-old Benfica and Portugal central defender Tomas Araujo in January. (Sun), external
Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi is keen on rejoining Chelsea, while Newcastle United are also still interested in the 24-year-old centre-back. (Teamtalk), external
Meanwhile, Blues manager Enzo Maresca has denied Christopher Nkunku is up for sale, despite the forward's limited playing time. (Times - subscription required), external
Image source, Getty ImagesOnly two teams have a 100% winning record after four games in the Conference League group phase - Legia Warsaw and Chelsea.
Chelsea, who are top of the 36-team table, make the mammoth 3,500 mile journey to Kazakhstan next to face Astana on 12 December.
They will hope to confirm their place in the last 16 before welcoming Shamrock Rovers to Stamford Bridge for their final group phase game on 19 December.
Image source, Getty ImagesChelsea boss Enzo Maresca following the 2-0 victory in the Conference League against Heidenheim: "It was a very good challenge for all the aspects. Heidenheim were high pressing, intense, but no matter what they do, it's important we are ready. It's important to continue with that mentality.
"They (the players) are ready and it's important. Filip [Jorgensen] did a very good game, Christopher [Nkunku] the same. We have nine or 10 games in December so they are going to get more chances. They need to be ready.
"It's difficult to find players that didn't play well. We need all of them taking the chances when they get the chances.
"They all want to play more; they all deserve to play and are working fantastic. We are going to share minutes in the next games because we have so many games and it's the normal thing to do."
On Jadon Sancho, who started for the first time since 20 October: "I said since we started that Jadon is very important for us. He has to be fit, mentally and physically and he is going to help us a lot.
"Unfortunately we did not use him in the last few games but he is showing tonight how important he is. We need that quality in the last third against a low block. He is going to help us a lot."
Neil Johnston
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesAfter a fourth win in four group phase games, Chelsea can start planning for the knockout rounds of the Conference League.
An automatic place in the last 16 is within reach with two more matches against Astana in Kazakhstan (12 December) and at home to Shamrock Rovers (19 December) to come.
Enzo Maresca left Cole Palmer out of Chelsea's squad for the group phase to manage his workload. Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia were left out for the same reasons.
Will the Chelsea boss re-register Palmer for the knockout rounds on 6 February when squads can be re-submitted?
A European trophy would certainly be a decent return for what has so far been a positive first season in charge for boss Maresca.
But are Chelsea capable of winning the Conference League without risking Palmer?
Christopher Nkunku took his tally to five goals in four group phase matches when he set Chelsea on the way to their latest European win against Heidenheim on Thursday.
Mykhailo Mudryk has not managed a Premier League goal since 11 May yet the Ukraine forward now has three in Europe this season after sealing the points in Germany.
Chelsea have 18 goals in four Conference League group phase matches but the deeper they go, the tougher the opposition.
The sight of Palmer playing for Chelsea in Europe's third tier club competition will surely only strengthen their chances of reaching the final in Poland next May.
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole on TNT Sports: "It was comfortable for Chelsea, although it wasn't an 8-0 win.
"Mykhailo Mudryk did what Mudryk does. He was on the periphery until he scored. Christopher Nkunku has proved he is a goalscorer. He is so calm in front of the goal.
"Filip Jorgensen was also good in goal. You don't hear his name too much because he isn't flashy. He has faced a lot of shots and he has produced moments. He will be pushing for a start over Robert Sanchez.
"There were a lot of positives for Enzo Maresca's side. We all expected them to cruise through this competition, but they've done it in style."
Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?
Have your say on Chelsea's performance, external
Come back to this page on Friday to find a selection of your replies
Seventeen matches make up Thursday's Conference League schedule, with Chelsea in action away from home.
Heidenheim v Chelsea
Kick-off is at 17:45 GMT
Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesThe latest hamstring setback for Chelsea defender Reece James has caused concern externally but the club believes initial scans to be positive.
They reveal the 24-year-old has not suffered a re-occurrence of his previous injuries - but instead has a new hamstring issue.
However, Chelsea remain guarded over potential timeframes for recovery, after a report in the Telegraph, external that James will be out for at least one month.
They are keen to reduce the pressure on their captain as he begins rehabilitation.
James has described his mental struggles throughout an injury-hit spell that has lasted multiple years.
He hoped surgery on his hamstring last December in Finland would stem his fitness concerns, allow him to return to playing regularly and enable him to regain his England international spot.
Instead, unfortunately, James has suffered his second setback of the season and has not played for England since March 2023.
It remains an ongoing process for Chelsea's revamped medical staff to build his robustness to a place where he can handle the modern rigours of playing as a physical full-back at the highest level.
When asked about James before Thursday's Conference League game at Heidenheim, Enzo Maresca reflected the club's guarded position on his fitness.
"Yes [he's had a scan] - the only thing we can say is that he is getting better day by day," Maresca said. “We don't know how many days he needs. He's getting better."
Since signing a contract worth a reported £250,000-a-week until 2028, James has played just 20 Premier League games, with four of those against Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester United and Arsenal before his latest setback suffered in training during the November international break.
Manchester United have made a shortlist of three left-backs, which includes 27-year-old Chelsea and England international Ben Chilwell. (Rudy Galetti), external
Meanwhile, Chelsea are keen on Ipswich's 21-year-old English striker Liam Delap, but could face competition from his former club Manchester City. (Football Insider), external
Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has been speaking to the media before Thursday's Conference League game against Heidenheim (kick-off 17:45 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Captain Reece James has had a scan on his injury but Chelsea "don't know how long the recovery time is" yet.
The manager said he wants the spotlight turned away from his captain: "I think the best thing we can do, as the staff, and you [media], is don't talk too much about Reece. The more we speak about Reece, the more pressure we put on. The more you ask, the more I answer, the more we put pressure on him."
Pedro Neto and Malo Gusto have returned to training and are expected to be involved against Aston Villa on Sunday.
Despite training with the first team, Josh Acheampong is not in the matchday squad for Heidenheim, with Maresca also adding, "there are not any update in terms of contract."
On managing minutes for his squad: "It’s an important European competition. Since we started, we have tried to share minutes with all of the squad. In this moment, it is like this."
He conceded "it is not always possible" to keep players happy but insisted Christopher Nkunku has not disclosed any unhappiness at his lack of Premier League minutes. Maresca said the pair have spoken this week.
More from Maresca on Nkunku: "Of course, he wants to play more games but there are a lot coming up. For sure, he is going to play a Premier League game. His best position is as a 10 but Cole [Palmer] is playing there. We need balance."
He said he is "absolutely not" looking to sell the forward in the January transfer window, adding: "I completely want him to stay with us."
On opponents Heidenheim: "I enjoy every game, knowing that in this competition, every club and every team try to make it a big game. The issue for us can be that if we are not ready mentally and we underestimate something, it can hurt us."
Image source, Getty ImagesChelsea centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo says it "is an honour" to be one of Enzo Maresca's leaders in what is overall a young Blues squad.
At 27 and boasting six seasons of senior football, Adarabioyo is one of the more experienced players in the Italian's squad.
"I wouldn't say I have been tasked," he said, "but it is an amazing responsibility to have to come into the club and help lead the boys.
"It is something I have always done, no matter what club I have been at nor my age. My leadership qualities are definitely one of my strengths.
"To come here and do the same with a younger group is an honour."
However, despite taking on such an active role at Stamford Bridge, Adarabioyo has only made four Premier League appearances since signing from Fulham in the summer.
"Everyone enjoys playing the games that you manage to get into," he said. "I go out there to enjoy it and also perform to my best to get the best result for the club.
"I have full belief in my ability and I am sure everyone else in the squad does too."
Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesChelsea's young academy defender Josh Acheampong is training with the first team again ahead of a trip to Heidenheim in the Conference League.
The 18-year-old looked on the verge of making his breakthrough under manager Enzo Maresca but an impasse over signing a new contract has led to his exile since late September.
Acheampong has not played for either Chelsea's first-team or in academy matches for over two months.
The unprecedented move to squeeze Acheampong, who still has more than 18 months left on his contract, has raised eyebrows in some quarters but a return to senior training may be viewed as a positive development.
Acheampong, who was integral in pre-season and played in the first-team against Barrow earlier this season, may have seen the situation partly change due to injuries to Reece James and Malo Gusto. He is viewed as the next right back in line to play when those two are out.
The limited options at Maresca's disposal and a match against lesser opposition would typically be viewed as an opportunity for Acheampong to further his development.
A number of big first-team players were not pictured in Chelsea’s open training session today, signalling heavy rotation is to be expected. Academy players Kiano Dyer, Shim Mhueka and Tyrique George were also in the group.
Maresca will likely be questioned on Acheampong at his press conference in Germany at 7pm tonight.
Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter
Image source, Getty ImagesChelsea are now being considered by just about everyone as favourites for a top four finish, but there were only a very few of us suggesting this back in August.
It was Nicolas Jackson who really caught my eye this week.
I was bold enough to suggest a few months back on this page that this season he would be a 20-goal striker. After watching his vastly improved movement and touch against Leicester I am feeling even more bullish.
But 20 goals, is that really such a big call? In the Premier League it is.
Sign up to read more from Pat Nevin in his Football Extra newsletter
Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesIt would be excessive to say Enzo Fernandez has arrived at Chelsea after his goal scoring display at Leicester - but he has taken an important step forward in recent weeks.
The 23-year-old midfielder began this season amid an alleged racism scandal towards the French national team and recently lost his place to Romeo Lavia.
It was a worrying situation given Chelsea spent £107m to sign Fernandez from Benfica in January 2023.
But despite some good moments, especially in the first six months, Fernandez has never got going in England.
A young player who doesn't speak English, with a big price tag and having had a hernia issue that needed surgery, he has not been able to be the star midfielder Chelsea expected him to be after signing him straight after winning the World Cup with Argentina in Qatar.
The Fifa Young Player of the Tournament was meant to build a partnership with Moises Caicedo for the ages but as the Ecuadorian has improved markedly, Fernandez has needed more time.
Furthermore, he has had to contend with headlines about his personal life in his native Argentina.
Yet, there are signs he is coming good after a positive substitute cameo against Arsenal saw him set up Pedro Neto's equaliser and having capped off a good performance at Leicester with a headed goal.
The goal celebration saw Fernandez cup his hands to his ears in defiance while he conducted his first post-match interview on TV in English.
These recent performances signal a potential turnaround for Fernandez at Chelsea.
Will Faulks
Fan writer
Image source, Getty ImagesEnzo Maresca has been given a lot of praise for the way he has handled his Chelsea squad this season. Despite a wealth of options, he quickly identified his best team and stuck with it, while using the cup competitions to keep the rest of his group happy - at least for now.
He has been helped by a good start to the campaign in terms of injuries, but in the game on Saturday, with absences to deal with and multiple fitness questions following the international break, the new manager handled the challenges very efficiently.
His Conference League tinkering had already shown him that he preferred Wesley Fofana at right-back to Axel Disasi or any other alternative, so the Frenchman slid over, with Benoit Badiashile coming into the team in the centre.
In midfield, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo were both risked despite long trips and late returns from South America in the break. Caicedo held down the midfield almost on his own, while Fernandez roamed forward and was extremely effective supporting Nicolas Jackson.
The really controversial pick was on the left, where Maresca went with Joao Felix over Christopher Nkunku to fill in for Pedro Neto. There is a lot of pressure on the manager from fans and from the media to get Nkunku into this team somehow, and this was an ideal opportunity to do so.
But Maresca did what he wanted rather than what was expected of him, and it paid off. Felix put in a real shift defensively, delivering a committed pressing performance which many people would have doubted he was capable of. Knowing he's competing with so many quality players for playing time was evidently inspiring to Felix, and the savvy Maresca can take credit for drawing that showing from his player with clever squad management.
Find more from Will Faulks at Chelsea News, external
Manchester United are interested in Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku but could face competition from Borussia Dortmund for the forward. (Teamtalk), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Leicester and Chelsea, which the Blues won 2-1.
Here are some of your comments:
Keith: Great performance all round. Shame we couldn't keep a clean sheet again. Things seem to be going in the right direction.
Hector: Palmer is being repeatedly targeted by other teams now. Maresca may need to drop him as he hasn't really been at the races. Chelsea navigated a tricky game after the international break. Leicester were resilient, but ultimately two moments of Enzo's brilliance sealed the game. Maresca's tactics spot on again.
Richard: Good to get three points. If Chelsea were more clinical in the final third of the pitch they would have been out of sight by half-time. Too often the final ball is poor and/or the wrong choice is taken. Caicedo excellent again - real consistency from him. Sadly, also consistency from corners - consistently bad. We throw away all these goalscoring opportunities.
JJ: I thought it was great. Our best performance in the Premier League so far this season.
Chelsea have joined Arsenal in the race for Alexander Isak, but Newcastle United will demand at least £115m for their 25-year-old Swedish striker. (Teamtalk), external
