Chelsea face Hacken with control of the wide areas likely to decide the contest

Hacken can make the opening phase uncomfortable

Hacken are most dangerous when they recover the ball and move it forward before the opposing defence is set. Their wide players attack the space behind full-backs, while the central forwards compete for the first cross and the next loose ball. Chelsea therefore need clean possession rather than ambitious passes that leave large distances between midfield and defence.

The Swedish side also benefit from a compact home ground and a surface they know well. If they can force Chelsea towards the touchline, they can press with the sideline acting as an extra defender. The visitors’ first task is to circulate the ball quickly enough to escape that pressure without losing their balance.

Chelsea’s depth creates several routes through the press

The match is scheduled for 10 November, with UEFA listing an 18:45 CET kick-off. Chelsea enter it after two wins and a draw in the league phase, including a controlled 2-0 victory over Roma and a goalless away draw against Lyon. Those results show that the team can change its approach without losing defensive structure.

Chelsea can build through midfield, release a winger early or use a forward dropping between the lines. The important detail is the position of the opposite winger: staying high and wide prevents Hacken from compressing the entire pitch around the ball and creates a switch when the first route is blocked.

The first goal would change the risk for both teams

Hacken have already shown that they can remain competitive in tight European matches. A level score allows them to defend in numbers and choose moments for transition. Falling behind would force the Swedish side to commit more players and could expose the spaces that Chelsea’s runners prefer to attack.

Chelsea must avoid treating patience as slow play. Repeated possession is useful only when it moves the defensive block or creates a one-against-one situation. Sharp combinations near the penalty area, followed by immediate pressure after a lost ball, offer the safest way to create chances without giving Hacken a clear counterattack.

Set pieces may settle a match with few open chances

Both teams have enough height to make corners and wide free kicks important. Delivery quality will matter more than volume because the first contact can determine whether the defending side clears the danger or faces a second ball inside the area. Chelsea’s defenders also need to resist being drawn towards the same target.

The likely pattern gives Chelsea more possession and Hacken the clearer transition opportunities. The team that manages the space outside the ball will have the advantage. Chelsea’s experience makes them favourites, but only if their positioning stops Hacken from turning each recovery into an immediate attack.