Gent travel to one of the favourites for the Europa Conference League in Chelsea on Thursday night in good form. The Buffaloes have only lost one of their last nine matches in all competitions but will have to play at their best to get anything against a rampant Chelsea side. The Premier League club have scored an impressive 12 goals in their last three games, conceding just twice.
Gent fans will be glad to see that Israeli midfielder Omri Gandelman has travelled with the squad to London for the fixture. The midfielder was injured in the warm up against Cercle Brugge last Thursday but has recovered enough to at least make the trip. The midfielder has scored three goals in six matches in the Pro League this season. Other players that may be unknown to Chelsea fans will be the likes of winger Frank Surdez. The 22-year-old leads the Belgian Pro League in assists with five in nine matches. He has also grabbed one goal this season.
However, and most importantly, Gent’s best performing player has arguably been goalkeeper Davy Roef. He won them the game against Club Brugge and has come up with some big saves in recent weeks. He will certainly expect to be busy at Stamford Bridge and will need to show his best form to keep Gent in the clash.
Thankfully, the side will be able to get their toughest tie of this years competition out of the way. In the past, Gent have performed well in the Conference League and the new format could suit them even better. The Buffaloes should see this has a free hit and a chance to build some confidence without worrying too much if the result doesn’t go their way.
