Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has raised eyebrows with his starting lineup to face Flamengo in their FIFA Club World Cup group stage clash. It has left many Blues fans in shock.
Some of the choices have left many stunned. At the top in attack is Liam Delap as the lone striker, along with Pedro Neto and Cole Palmer on the wings. Enzo Fernandez sits in the middle as playmaker, with Moises Caicedo playing with Reece James in a deep midfield pivot.
This means the skipper will have to be left out of his favored right-back spot in order to fit Malo Gusto in. Maresca’s lineup also features Marc Cucurella at left-back, Trevoh Chalobah and Levi Colwill in central defense, and Robert Sanchez in goal.
Chelsea Fans React On Social Media
“Don’t know what’s wrong with this Chelsea coach, with all the available players he still manage to setup this horrible lineup” a fan said.
Don’t know what’s wrong with this Chelsea coach, with all the available players he still manage to setup this horrible lineup
— Andrew Chelsea💙💙💙💙 (@Rickyslim4) June 20, 2025
“Gusto and chalobah, Maresca why na 🥹” another was bothered.
Gusto and chalobah
Maresca why na 🥹
— Ola 💙 إبراهيم (@Adekoya2807) June 20, 2025
“Where’s James playing in this lineup” another asked.
“Not the lineup I expected but sometimes the unexpected plays are the winning ones. All eyes on the Blues to deliver today.” this fan remained hopeful.
“Gusto on the wing was not on my bucket list. Hopefully Maresca’s cooking something we can’t understand yet…” another fan added.
It’s a group stage match in a tournament, but the stakes are high. Both teams won their first games, so the winner here will probably lead Group D.
Delap did well from the subs’ bench in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over LAFC, assisting one goal. Enzo Fernandez scored in that game, and will look to control the midfield more confidently. It will be a return for former Blues defender Filipe Luis, who takes on his former club as Flamengo manager.
Kick-off is at 7 pm BST at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field.