It has now been more than a month since Chelsea won a Premier League match and Liam Rosenior will be looking to put that right on Saturday afternoon, against Brentford.
Rosenior needs to get his team selection absolutely spot on. The Chelsea gaffer could have Reece James and Cole Palmer available again, but Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens remain sidelined due to a virus.
Malo Gusto is expected to be fit for Saturday’s clash against Brentford, while Moises Caicedo will be ready to play again, having served a one-match suspension during Chelsea’s Carabao Cup defeat to Arsenal.
Clearly, Rosenior has some decisions to make, and he has to get them right if Chelsea are to beat Keith Andrews’ impressive side. One change the new gaffer has to make is in the middle of his Chelsea midfield.
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Liam Rosenior favourite has been a passenger in first two games
When Rosenior arrived as Chelsea manager a week ago, there were a few recognisable faces. Liam Delap was one he worked with before at Hull, but Andrey Santos will have been Rosenior’s go-to player.
The midfielder worked with Rosenior last season and starred under the new Chelsea gaffer. He had a hand in 17 goals, scoring 12 and creating five, in 45 appearances for the Ligue 1 side during 2024-25.
Fulham v Chelsea - Premier League
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But at Chelsea, Santos has played in a deeper role. Santos has started both games under Rosenior, but he looks a shell of last season’s talent, lacking the confidence to try anything and just keeps things simple.
Not such a bad thing, but Rosenior needs better. Especially after watching £60m-rated Santos lose six of his nine duels on Wednesday night, while he was dribbled past on three occasions. Joint-most last night.
Liam Rosenior must be brutal and make key midfield decision
Against Charlton, he could afford to start who he liked and did so, making eight changes and taking a look at a few fringe players like Jorrel Hato, Jamie Gittens and Marc Guiu. Arsenal, less flexible.
Pedro Neto on Andrey Santos:
“Andrey Santos was unbelievable, we need this type of performance when there are lots of battles. It’s always good to come back from the break with a win, we are looking forward to the big games.”
Pedro Neto
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But Santos had to come in with Caicedo out. Santos though, has done little to stake his claim for a starting spot in this Chelsea side and with Brentford up next on Saturday, plenty is on the line for Chelsea.
Rosenior has to pick his absolutely best side, even if it means players require a rest against Cypriot side Pafos in the Champions League during the week. Rosenior must drop Santos from Chelsea’s midfield.
There are likely to be some other changes, too. Rosenior has a decision to make in between the sticks, and whether he gives Hato a chance over Marc Cucurella. Some big calls to make for the new gaffer.
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