Enzo Maresca is likely to shake up his Chelsea team for the Champions League fixture against Qarabag later this week.
In the Blues’ 5-1 win over Ajax, the Italian made 10 changes from the side who beat Nottingham Forest 3-0 a few days earlier.
One player who will be expected to feature is Liam Delap. He missed the victory against Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend because of suspension but is available for this game.
But who else could join the striker in Maresca’s starting XI? The Chelsea Chronicle has tried to predict!
Enzo Maresca coaching Estevao Willian for Chelsea
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea predicted XI vs Qarabag
Robert Sanchez has been told he is first choice between the sticks, so Filip Jorgensen is only going to start in games like this.
Maresca used Reece James in midfield against Tottenham and deployed Malo Gusto in the right-back role. It is probable that he will now rest the former, while the latter retains his position.
Tosin Adarabioyo has not been at his best lately, but the Qarabag game should help him to rediscover some form and confidence. They should not cause Chelsea’s defence too many problems.
Josh Acheampong has arguably been the Blues’ best centre-back this season but was dropped for the Spurs match. He should be fit and fresh for Wednesday.
To complete Chelsea’s defence, Jorrel Hato should come in for Marc Cucurella at left-back and allow the Spaniard to get some rest.
Jorrel Hato and Kian Fitz-Jim embrace after Chelsea vs Ajax
Photo by Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency/Getty Images
Moises Caicedo also needs a break, meaning that Romeo Lavia could replace him in midfield.
The same applies to Enzo Fernandez. If the Argentine drops out, that should make room for Andrey Santos.
Chelsea fans will be itching to see the exciting Estevao Willian and should get the opportunity to. He only played five minutes of normal time at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The Brazilian and Jamie Gittens terrorised Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Blues’ last midweek fixture. Maresca surely has to unleash the pair together again on Wednesday.
Facundo Buonanotte did not play as well as Gittens and Estevao, but Joao Pedro is not training every day because of a fitness issue and Cole Palmer is still injured. It means that the Argentine should be rotated in.
Finally, Delap has a chance to redeem himself after getting sent off in Chelsea’s 4-3 win against Wolves.
Chelsea predicted XI vs Qarabag