Chelsea are just days away from making their return to Premier League action against Crystal Palace, and the manager has some decisions to make when it comes to squad selection.
As well as finding a suitable replacement for Levi Colwill, Enzo Maresca has a host of new signings to decide whether they will start their first Premier League games for the club.
Joao Pedro looks a shoo-in to start, however the circumstances surrounding the likes of Jamie Gittens and Estevao Willian are far less clear.
Both impressed greatly during pre-season, however Estevao in particular wowed supporters with his performances, as well as his first goal for the club.
The Chelsea Chronicle have predicted the side who will line up to face Palace, and whether he will take the risk on his new teenage Brazilian star.
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Chelsea predicted XI vs Crystal Palace
With no new goalkeeper making the move to Chelsea this summer, Robert Sanchez is set to maintain his place as the number one at Stamford Bridge.
Club captain Reece James will begin the game at right-back. Early pre-season signs have suggested that the England international has begun to trust his body enough to provide assistance in attack as well as defence.
Despite a return to training for Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo will start the season at centre-back, with there is no doubt a desire for the Frenchman to be at full fitness when he does feature again.
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Alongside him, Trevoh Chalobah will start in the absence of Colwill. It will be interesting to see how he adapts to the role of left centre-back against his former side.
Marc Cucurella will maintain his place at left-back, however will be kept on his toes by new signing Jorrel Hato from Ajax.
In midfield, one of the first names on the teamsheet will be Moises Caicedo, who could take his standing amongst other club’s supporters even higher with their return to the Champions League.
Alongside him, Enzo Fernandez will begin, and look to build on his much-improved campaign in terms of attacking contributions in 2024/25.
Ahead of those two, the free role will again be occupied by Cole Palmer, whose starring performances in the Club World Cup hinted that he is back to his best after a tough few months earlier this year.
On the right, Pedro Neto will keep Estevao on the bench for now. The Portugal international was one of the more impressive Chelsea players during their triumph in the United States.
The left wing will see Joao Pedro start in one of the multiple positions he can play in attack. The summer signing has hinted at big things in his early appearances in a blue shirt.
Up front, Liam Delap’s late double against AC Milan will have convinced Maresca to hand him a start as well, seeing both recognised strikers start for Chelsea.
Chelsea Predicted XI vs Crystal Palace