It’ll be interesting to see if Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca rotates his side for the midweek clash against Southampton.
Chelsea play away at Southampton on Wednesday night in the Premier League. On paper, the Blues will be strong favourites against the team rooted to the bottom of the division table.
Enzo Maresca, the Chelsea manager, has been pretty consistent with his starting line-up for league matches. It’s been in the various cup competitions where he’s made wholesale changes and made the most of the deep Blues squad.
Chelsea’s predicted line-up against Southampton does include three changes from the side that won 3-0 at home to Aston Villa a few days ago.
Noni Madueke of Chelsea during a training session at Chelsea Training Ground on December 3, 2024 in Cobham, England.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Noni Madueke should be recalled vs Southampton
Chelsea attacker Noni Madueke, 22, has been a regular in the team’s starting XI for the league so far this season. However, he dropped down to the bench on Sunday for the Villa win.
The right-winger made an impact as a substitute by assisting Cole Palmer’s goal, and it would be great to see him back in the starting line-up versus Southampton for a number of reasons.
First of all, Madueke has definitely returned from the November international break and back-to-back England starts with a spring in his step.
The skilful wide man knows there’s serious competition for places at Stamford Bridge, but he’s been heavily trusted by Maresca in the opening months of the season. Mauricio Pochettino called Madueke “amazing” last season, but it’s under Maresca where he’s growing and developing as a player.
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In addition, Chelsea should perhaps have one eye on Sunday’s trip to Tottenham when selecting the team to face Southampton.
Pedro Neto, who’s shot up the pecking order for the right wing spot, is only one yellow card away from a suspension. Therefore, it could make sense to give Madueke 90 minutes at Southampton and save Neto for Spurs.
Noni Madueke output
If Madueke wants to cement his position back in Chelsea’s best XI again, the best thing he can do is score and assist more regularly.
So far this season, the left-footed attacker has five goals and one assist in 15 games across all competitions.
Madueke admits his Chelsea form hasn’t always been great this season, but there’s been glimpses to suggest he can be a massive player for the club. There’s just little room to take your foot off the gas with so much competition.
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