Astana vs Chelsea Prediction, Odds and Betting Tips: 16/1 goalscorer fancy for in-form Blues

Chelsea must bring the heat when they travel to Kazakhstan in the Conference League on Thursday to face FC Astana in freezing conditions.

The match will be played at the earlier time of 3.30pm for those viewing in the UK and can be viewed live on TNT Sports 2.

Christopher Nkunku is lighting up the Conference League for Chelsea, proving to be the star of their "second-string" squad. The French forward has been simply unstoppable, playing a key role in the Blues’ perfect start to the group stage with four wins from four matches and the club's 18 goals scored.

Nkunku has netted in every single game so far - adding to his tally from the play-off rounds - and has accumulated a total of seven goals and an assist in the competition.

Despite limited opportunities in the Premier League, Enzo Maresca gave Nkunku a well-deserved 90 minutes against Southampton last week. The 27-year-old repaid his manager’s trust, bagging a goal and an assist in Chelsea’s dominant 5-1 win at St Mary’s.

Now, as Chelsea gear up for Thursday’s clash with Astana, the Blues are heavy favourites at 8/25 to extend their flawless group stage run to five wins from five. Meanwhile, Astana sit languishing in 23rd place with just one victory on the board, struggling to find form with no wins in their last three outings.

Given Nkunku’s blistering form and Chelsea’s attacking prowess, the forward appeals at 31/20 to add yet another strike to his growing European tally.

Mykhailo Mudryk has been another standout performer for Chelsea in Europe this season, registering an impressive three goals and four assists in just six appearances (including the play-offs).

The Ukrainian winger has been in sparkling form, netting in each of Chelsea's last three Conference League matches, and he’s now priced at 5/2 to make it four games in a row with a goal.

What makes Mudryk such a threat in the competition is not only his sharp eye for goal but also his composure and confidence in possession. His ability to find space on the edge of the area and unleash powerful strikes adds a whole new dimension to Chelsea's attack. Given his recent displays, including a stunning goal from outside the box in Chelsea's 8-0 demolition of Noah, I’m placing a small bet on Mudryk to score from outside the penalty area once at 16/1; a tempting price for a player in such form.