Servette vs Chelsea Prediction & Betting Tips (29 August)

This could well be the year of rebirth for Chelsea, who are hoping to return to the top of the Premier League. In order to achieve this objective, the Blues once again spent massively during the transfer window, and the pre-season provided an opportunity to test the new recruits. However, the record is mixed with only one victory in six matches. After a draw against Wrexham 2-2 and a heavy defeat against Celtic Glasgow 1-4, they bounced back by beating Club America 3-0, but then suffered two losses against Manchester City 4-2 and Real Madrid 2-1. Finally, a draw against Inter 1-1 and a home defeat against Manchester City 0-2 on the first day of the championship does not bode well. However, the two recent victories, first against Servette FC 2-0 in the Champions League, then this weekend against Wolves in the championship 2-6, bring a wind of optimism. Servette FC once again experienced difficulty in standing up to Young Boys, finishing the season in 3rd position in the Swiss championship, just behind Lugano, with only one point difference.

However, the Genevans triumphed against Lugano in the national cup final, securing a victory after a penalty shootout. Their season began in mid-July, marked by three important successes against Lucerne, Young Boys, and Yverdon. However, they then suffered two consecutive defeats, one against Lugano 3-1 and the other against Basel 0-6. Unlike their opponents, the Servettians entered directly into the 3rd round of qualifying. Their start was promising with a draw in the first leg against Braga 0-0, but a 1-2 home defeat forced them to this decisive phase in C4. Beaten at Stamford Bridge in the first leg 2-0, the Swiss did not play this weekend and will be rested for this crucial meeting. 

There are no notable absences to report for the moment, although Beniangba, on loan from Genk, could be unavailable. However, Servette can count on players in great form since the start of the season, whether in the championship or in preparation matches. For example, Derek Kutesa, the explosive winger, has already found the net three times in four matches. Enzo Crivelli, former Ligue 1 player, also made an impression with a goal and an assist. As for Miroslav Stevanovic, an emblematic figure at 34, he continues to impress with two goals and several assists. He had also delivered 20 assists in 34 games a few seasons ago. As usual, Chelsea were very active during this transfer window, attracting big names such as Dewsbury-Hall (Leicester), Marc Guiu (Barcelona ) and Pedro Neto (Wolverhampton) the latter for an amount of 60 million euros.

As for loan returns, Kepa (Real Madrid), Angelo (Strasbourg) and Lukaku (Roma) have returned to the Blues squad. On the other hand, Hutchinson (Ipswich) and Thiago Silva (Fluminense) left the club this summer. Executives Cole Palmer (22 goals, 11 assists) and Jackson (14 goals, 5 assists) are still present, as is Nkunku (3 goals in 11 games) who was often injured last year. Maresca dismissed Sterling (8 goals, 4 assists) and Chillwell, while Joao Felix returned to Chelsea in an exchange with Gallagher (5 goals last year) sent to Atlético. Felix has already scored for the Blues in his first game against Wolves, while Madueke impressed with a hat-trick. Palmer and Jackson also found the net.