Enzo Maresca has now taken his pre-match press conference ahead of this weekend’s game against Leicester, and while the actual presser seemed to take place earlier this week, the combination of his answers and his selections last night give us some very strong clues about what his lineup will be this weekend.
Filip Jorgensen will keep his place in goal, with Robert Sanchez having played last night. But there’s a real sense that Jorgensen is probably only one mistake away from being swapped back.
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Romeo Lavia trains with Enzo Maresca. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
Reece James celebrates his goal for Chelsea against Copenhagen.
Tyrique George nips in to assist Enzo Fernandez.
In defence, right back is a tricky call. Malo Gusto went off injured last night but is apparently ok, while Reece James played a full 90 in midfield. We suspect Gusto will start if fit, with both of them likely playing some part.
Levi Colwill will play in defence – alongside him it could be the newly fit Wesley Fofana. If not, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah are all competing to be Colwill partners. It’s genuinely a tough call between all four of them.
Left back will be Marc Cucurella.
In midfield, it should be Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo after they played 45 minutes each last night, with Romeo Lavia apparently fit to come off the bench.
Ahead of them, Cole Palmer will play in the hole, with Pedro Neto leading the line. Out wide, it’s probably going to be Christopher Nkunku and Jadon Sancho, although we would dearly love to see Tyrique George trusted with a league start.
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Enzo Maresca smiles in a press conference.
Enzo Maresca smiles in a press conference.
So it’s a particularly uncertain team selection tomorrow, but that can be seen as a good thing as it’s caused by the return of players from injury.
Things should be much clearer – and hopefully rosier – by the time we face Arsenal and Spurs in the weeks to come.