Chelsea won’t be soaking in the victory over Barcelona for long, with a crucial Arsenal clash right around the corner.
Enzo Maresca deserves to sit in this moment and enjoy the fruits of his labour, but the schedule does not allow for it.
All of his attention will be on another marquee matchup at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, when the Blues host league leaders Arsenal.
The Chelsea boss has some big calls to make for a tie that could ripple through the title race, and one in particular has been all but made for him by two solid Champions League displays.
Chelsea v Wolverhampton Wanderers - Premier League
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Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana have earned a start against Arsenal
Maresca hasn’t been shy about changing up his back line this season.
Injuries have forced his hand at times, as have suspensions, but he has seldom stuck with the one pairing for a run of games.
But after Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana’s display against Barcelona, it’s clear that’s who should be starting at the weekend.
Finish this sentence: Enzo Maresca should start ______ on the right wing vs Arsenal
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Chelsea kept Barcelona scoreless for the first time since Christmas, and the solidity of the two centre-backs was a major reason. When called upon, they were there to make important challenges and keep the Blaugrana at bay.
Fofana wants to be more involved at Chelsea after missing out through injury last season, and involved he was.
Their work in possession was just as impressive. The composure shown by Chelsea’s defenders against the Barcelona press left the away side helpless to prevent Maresca’s side from dominating proceedings.
Chelsea need to stay solid against Arsenal
This game against Arsenal is the most important of the season so far.
Mikel Arteta has got some tune out of his defence this season, and it’s hard to see Chelsea pouring in the goals.
Enzo Maresca and Mikel Arteta embrace before Arsenal FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League
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That means staying solid at the back is a necessity if the hosts are to get a positive result.
Of course, there’s Benoit Badiashile, Josh Acheampong and Tosin Adarabioyo waiting in the wings.
But form matters, and the confidence will be flowing through Chalobah and Fofana after bossing the Spanish champions.