Enzo Maresca has a bit of a dilemma going into Chelsea’s game against Ajax, but it does not have to be a big one.
With Joao Pedro suspended and Liam Delap out injured, Chelsea will be without their two main strikers.
Cole Palmer has not recovered from his groin issue either, so he will also be missing.
Focusing on the centre-forward situation at Stamford Bridge, though, it is quite clear who should get the nod on Wednesday in the absence of Pedro and Delap.
Referee sends off Chelsea striker Joao Pedro
Photo by Miguel Lemos/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Enzo Maresca should go with Marc Guiu instead of Tyrique George
Maresca will be tempted to use Tyrique George, with the Italian being a big fan of the winger.
Despite being a wide man, George has been playing up front amid Chelsea’s striker crisis.
England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley recently spoke about George, claiming that he could develop into a traditional centre-forward in the future.
However, there are several reasons for picking Marc Guiu over the Chelsea academy product on Wednesday.
First of all, Guiu deserves a start after helping to change last weekend’s game. The 19-year-old came on in the second half of the Blues’ match against Nottingham Forest and ended up contributing to their 3-0 win.
As he always does, Guiu pressed well and made some good runs. The Spaniard added some spark after a very flat first half.
Last season, his record in Europe was also excellent. In seven Conference League outings, he scored six goals.
Ajax will provide a tougher test than what most of the teams offered during that Conference League campaign, but the above is still promising going into Wednesday’s fixture.
Finally, Guiu is more likely to have a future at Stamford Bridge than George. It has already been reported that George could leave Chelsea in January after his failed move to Fulham at the end of the last transfer window.
With all of the above in mind, it is worth putting more time and energy into Guiu’s development.
Marc Guiu of Chelsea celebrates after Josh Acheampong scores
Photo by James Holyoak/MB Media/Getty Images
Enzo Maresca at risk of making Marc Guiu recall pointless
Guiu is yet to start a match for Chelsea since returning from his loan at Sunderland.
Maresca promised Guiu that he would get a shot if he performed in training, and the former Barcelona youth player has been handed opportunities against Forest and Liverpool.
Guiu needs to be given more, though. If that does not happen, recalling him from Sunderland would have been a pointless decision.
On Wednesday, Maresca has the chance to hand his young striker more minutes, which he warrants after his display at the City Ground.