Whether Chelsea win, lose or draw this weekend against Arsenal, they will be aware that they will enter the international break in the top four of the Premier League.
The Blues are currently facing ten crucial league games in their race to finish in the Champions League places, which is now almost certain to be the top five.
Enzo Maresca and co have already had a busy weekend of things off the pitch, with Chelsea looking to get some of their transfer business done before the summer window even opens.
Maresca played a role in signing Geovany Quenda, with the Blues also reportedly confirming the signing of Dario Essugo from Sporting Lisbon too.
Next up for Chelsea on the pitch though is the trip across London to the Emirates, with them having the chance to open up a five-point lead on the chasing pack.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Enzo Maresca must start Romeo Lavia against Arsenal
The manager will have a number of squad selection decisions to make, especially as the Blues were only just in action on Thursday night in the narrow win against Copenhagen.
He may look to players who took no part in the Conference League game, with one of those players being Romeo Lavia.
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Lavia returned to the bench for Chelsea’s last Premier League game against Leicester after a lengthy layoff that has seen him out of action for a number of months.
The Belgian has made just ten league appearances for the Blues this season, however one of those did come against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in the reverse fixture.
Lavia was fantastic in possession that day, ending the game as the most accurate passer on either team.
Romeo Lavia vs Arsenal 10/11/24 Total
Minutes 68
Pass accuracy % 96%
Tackle % 100%
Duels won 2
Chances created 2
Despite it being seen as a risk, Maresca must start Lavia against the Gunners if Chelsea are going to be able to push on with playing out from the back, something that has been key under the new manager’s regime.
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Chelsea teammates big fans of Romeo Lavia
Lavia’s Chelsea teammates would be delighted to see him return to the starting side, with them notably big fans of his whenever he is fit.
Reece James describe Lavia as ‘amazing’ after the draw against Bournemouth, and his presence takes a lot of pressure off Moises Caicedo in the middle of the park.
Caicedo is one booking away from a two-game suspension at a crucial point of the season, with the Blues really needing to keep him on the pitch throughout the remaining league games.
Lavia would likely be replaced early if he does start, however is a must as far as Maresca is concerned, as he looks for easily the biggest win of his career as a Chelsea manager.