Enzo Maresca has made frequent changes to his starting line-up this season on a game-to-game basis, so what will the Chelsea head coach do this weekend against Sunderland?
On Saturday afternoon, the Blues are in action in the Premier League, hosting newly-promoted Sunderland at Stamford Bridge. Incidentally, it will be the first meeting between the two clubs since 2017.
After winning five of their previous six games across all competitions, Chelsea certainly have plenty of momentum behind them.
Unfortunately, Liam Delap won’t be fit to face Sunderland, but he’s expected to return from injury next week in the Carabao Cup against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Alejandro Garnacho, Marc Guiu, Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella during a Chelsea training session at Cobham.
Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images
Goalkeeper – Robert Sanchez
Unsurprisingly, the predicted XI begins with Robert Sanchez between the sticks.
Even though the Spanish goalkeeper has received plenty of criticism during his Blues career, he’s looked pretty solid in the opening months of the season. In fact, he’s kept five clean sheets in 10 appearances across all competitions so far.
Defence – Reece James, Josh Acheampong, Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Cucurella
If this predicted line-up is correct, Chelsea’s academy should be very proud because three of the back four came through at Cobham.
Blues captain Reece James, who didn’t play during Wednesday’s 5-1 win over Ajax in the Champions League, should be ready to return at right-back in the XI. Similarly, Marc Cucurella is in the exact same boat at left-back.
Josh Acheampong could start his third consecutive league match at centre-half. Chelsea believe Acheampong can become one of the world’s best, so we expect to see him continue this recent momentum.
Finally, Trevoh Chalobah partners him at centre-back, while Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo provide cover on the bench.
Midfield – Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Joao Pedro
Now that both are fully fit again, Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez are likely to be the central midfield partnership.
Joao Pedro completes the midfield in the creative number 10 position. We’ve seen Pedro has struggled playing as the central striker, but he’s a lot more effective from a deeper role.
Alejandro Garnacho playing for Chelsea against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Attack – Pedro Neto, Marc Guiu, Alejandro Garnacho
It is in the attacking positions where Maresca faces his toughest decisions.
While Chelsea supporters are desperate for Jamie Gittens to start against Sunderland, mainly so he can build on a strong performance against Ajax, we think he could miss out. Similarly, fan favourite and wonderkid Estevao Willian may have to make do with a spot on the bench.
It feels like Pedro Neto is a guarantee to feature, starting eight out of eight so far in the league.
On the left wing, Alejandro Garnacho gets another opportunity to start, even though he’s been quite subdued since he joined from Manchester United in the summer. His starting position must be under severe threat because he’s got zero goal contributions in six appearances, but the fact he didn’t feature against Ajax could suggest he will start at home to Sunderland.
Finally, Marc Guiu may get a well-deserved start in the striker position.
The Chelsea predicted line-up to face Sunderland in the Premier League.