Chelsea are in action against Ajax tonight in the Champions League, and it’s a very interesting team selection for Enzo Maresca.
We need three points without question, but it’s a vulnerable opposition and a great chance to give some of the regulars a bit of a break. How strong does he go? We think about 80% towards full power.
Chelsea’s predicted XI to take on Ajax
Tosin Adarabioyo in a Champions League press conference.
Tosin Adarabioyo in a Champions League press conference. (Photo by Chris Lee/Chelsea FC)
That means Robert Sanchez in goal. Malo Gusto is suspended for the Premier League game at the weekend so he will play tonight at right back. On the left, Marc Cucurella rarely gets a chance for a rest, so the chances are that Jorrel Hato plays against his former team.
In the middle, Wesley Fofana should play if he’s fit. The other position is a total toss up. Josh Acheampong should play thanks to his good performance at the weekend, but we suspect that Maresca goes with Tosin Adarabioyo’s experience.
In midfield, we’d love to see Moises Caicedo rested but we think he’ll start the game, potentially alongside both Romeo Lavia, with Andrey Santos pushed forward to play off the striker.
Out wide, Jamie Gittens should get the nod after playing the second half on Saturday, with Estevao hopefully playing on the other side.
With Joao Pedro suspended for his crazy late red card against Benfica, the striker selection is another big question. We expect Marc Guiu to get a start, given he’s made an impact off the bench in our last two games, but Maresca has also mentioned Tyrique George as a false 9.
In all that should give a nice balance of rotation and experience. If all is going well, expect the likes of Caicedo to come off pretty early.
In other news…
Chelsea have registered an incredible 33 new youth players for their Champions League squad, but we don’t expect any of them to feature tonight. You can read why here.