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

Legit.ng recently reported on why Liverpool vs Manchester City was given a weird kick-off time.

The two giants clashed at Anfield on Sunday, December 1. The game started 30 minutes earlier compared to the late Sunday games kick-off.

Tearful Chelsea star consoled by coach

Legit.ng had earlier reported that Nicolas Jackson had to be consoled by Maresca after their win against Tottenham.

Jackson was hooked off for Christopher Nkunku in the 76th minute after Chelsea had managed to come from two goals down.

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The Senegalese striker failed to add to his eight goals this season and had to be cheered up by his manager as they went to applaud the travelling supporters.

Source: TUKO.co.ke