Chelsea fans are over the moon as head coach Enzo Maresca released an unchanged XI for the third successive Premier League game. It’s a first this season for the Blues, and it’s worth noting that this XI has won two games in a row.
They enjoyed a dominant 3-1 win against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge last weekend. Beating the Premier League champions saw the Blues propel themselves back into the top five and strengthen their hopes of Champions League qualification.
The standard formation includes Robert Sanchez between the sticks. Ahead of him are Moises Caicedo, Trevoh Chalobah, Levi Colwill, and Marc Cucurella. Romeo Lavia and Enzo Fernandez are in holding midfield, with Cole Palmer as the number 10. Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto will join Nicolas Jackson in attack.
Stability from these starting players has seen Chelsea come out of their recent slump, and the three consecutive league victories. The lineup has delighted the fans, who took to social media with comments like these:
Same squad! This is good! No need to change what is working
— Jeff (@iamJeffCFC) May 11, 2025
Let's cook for good and know how first 11 players on maresca year .💙💪💯
— Ronaldopalmer⚽ (@IdahosaRon36175) May 11, 2025
Full strength no excuses
— . (@peace_life_v) May 11, 2025
#CFC unchanged from last two PL wins. No surprise.
— Simon Johnson (@SJohnsonSport) May 11, 2025
Very much emerging as Enzo Maresca's best XI. https://t.co/nkUM6IpWWg
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) May 11, 2025
Chelsea Enjoy Revival in Unchanged Starting XI
At the center of all this revival is the midfield harmony of Lavia, Fernandez, and Caicedo. Lavia’s return from injury has freed up space for Fernandez to play nearer upfront, and that has seen an uptick in goal involvement. Caicedo’s versatility, however, has seen Maresca leave him in an inverted right-back role to strengthen the team’s shape.
Maresca’s approach also shows a rational policy for player fitness, most notably with club captain Reece James. The England international is still on the bench while recovering from injury. The manager highlighted that they did not want to burden James with too much work.
Now, Chelsea are ready to face a decisive tie against Newcastle United. Maresca’s choice of leaving the starting lineup unchanged makes it clear that he wishes to build momentum and cohesion in the team.