Why Chelsea Have Been Given Unique Kick-Off Time in Conference League Tie

• Chelsea will play Astana in their fifth match of the UEFA Conference League league phase on Thursday evening
• Enzo Maresca's side are set to clock more than 10,000 kilometres in the 16-hour round trip to Kazakhstan
• The game will start unusually early compared to the time European matches normally start on weekdays

Chelsea will travel more than 5600 kilometres for their next assignment in the Conference League.

The Blues will play Kazakh giants Astana at the Almaty Central Stadium on Thursday, December 12.

Enzo Maresca's side will take to the pitch knowing that a win will all but guarantee their place in the Round of 16. They have a perfect record so far, winning four out of four and scoring 18 goals.

However, they will face a different prospect in Kazakhstan, as they are set to encounter adverse weather conditions.

Why Astana vs Chelsea will kick off at bizarre time

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Weather experts predict that the temperatures will be as low as -11C when the two teams take to the pitch.

This, coupled with the five-hour time difference between England and Kazakhstan, means the game will usually start early.

The kick-off time has been slated for 6:30 PM Kenyan Time (8:30 PM local time). Normally, European games start at 8:45 PM and 11 PM EAT.

Why Liverpool vs Manchester City kicked off 30 minutes earlier

YEN.com.gh reported that the Liverpool vs. Manchester City game on Sunday, December 1, had an unusual kick-off time.

The match at Anfield began 30 minutes earlier than the standard late Sunday fixtures.

Tearful Chelsea star consoled by coach

YEN.com.gh earlier reported that Nicolas Jackson needed reassurance from coach Enzo Maresca following Chelsea's dramatic comeback win over Tottenham.

Jackson, substituted for Christopher Nkunku in the 76th minute, missed the chance to add to his eight goals this season and received encouragement from Maresca as they greeted the away fans.

Source: TUKO.co.ke