Why Chelsea and Fiorentina's Squad Strength Makes Them Conference League Favourites

As the UEFA Conference League heats up, Chelsea and Fiorentina are emerging as top contenders for the title. With impressive squad depth, strong financial backing, and dominant performances in both domestic and European competitions, these two clubs are well-positioned to make it to the final in Wrocław next May. Here’s a closer look at why bettors should consider Chelsea and Fiorentina as the competition favourites.

Chelsea’s Depth and Dominance

Chelsea have shown their calibre early on in the Conference League, winning their initial matches with conviction. Under manager Enzo Maresca, the Blues’ depth has become a significant advantage. Mykhailo Mudryk, João Félix, and Christopher Nkunku lead a talented squad that maintains high performance levels, even with frequent rotations for Conference League fixtures. Maresca’s tactical flexibility has allowed Chelsea to field fresh, capable players, keeping their league and European campaigns competitive.

Despite making as many as 11 changes after each Premier League game, Chelsea’s squad value of €954.20 million—over 40% of the competition’s total value—reflects their superior resources and squad quality. This depth makes them the team to beat in the Conference League, and with a wealth of attacking options, they’re in prime position to score their way to the final.

Fiorentina’s Tactical Flexibility and Resilience

Fiorentina’s journey in the Conference League is also one to watch. Led by Raffaele Palladino, Fiorentina have matched Chelsea’s early success, opening with two wins and showing impressive resilience, particularly with their comeback victory over St. Gallen. Palladino’s tactical approach—combined with summer signings that strengthened both Serie A and European line-ups—has made Fiorentina an adaptable and formidable team.

Notably, forward Moise Kean’s outstanding form, with eight goals across all competitions, highlights Fiorentina’s attacking prowess. Meanwhile, veteran goalkeeper David De Gea’s defensive contributions, including four consecutive Serie A clean sheets, underpin a strong defensive structure. With a squad value of €265.70 million, Fiorentina rank as the second most valuable team in the tournament, establishing them as serious contenders.

Financial Edge and Conference League Success

The Conference League has shown a trend towards favouring financially robust clubs with deep talent pools. Last season’s finalists, West Ham United and Fiorentina, had the highest squad valuations, demonstrating the advantage wealth brings to this competition. This year, Chelsea and Fiorentina hold the top spots in terms of squad value, with Chelsea leading at a 39% chance of winning and Fiorentina at 21%. The combined odds for other top contenders like Heidenheim, Betis, Gent, and Vitória add up to only 27%, further solidifying Chelsea and Fiorentina’s dominance.

Betting on the Final: Chelsea and Fiorentina’s Path Forward

With both Chelsea and Fiorentina set to avoid each other in the group stages, there’s a high probability that they’ll finish with maximum points and head into separate knockout brackets, making a final showdown in Wrocław a distinct possibility. For bettors, this creates promising opportunities in outright markets, with Chelsea and Fiorentina positioned to offer valuable returns.

As the competition progresses, Chelsea and Fiorentina’s financial edge, squad depth, and impressive form solidify them as top betting choices for the Conference League trophy on 28 May 2025.

Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at time of publishing and subject to change.

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