In the midst of managing an excessively bloated squad, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca seems to have identified his strongest starting XI ahead of the upcoming clash with Crystal Palace this Sunday.
Following a remarkable second-half display in their 6-2 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers last week, the team that emerged after the break could very well be the one that takes to the field this weekend.
Mykhaylo Mudryk got the nod at Molineux but was substituted for Pedro Neto at halftime, sparking a four-goal blitz by Chelsea. Despite starting once again in midweek against Servette in Conference League qualifying, Mudryk failed to make an impact, paving the way for Neto to earn a full debut.
Maresca made eight changes from the team that defeated Wolves, with surprises including Madueke and Enzo Fernandez starting in Geneva alongside Mudryk on the left. However, none of the new faces are expected to have done enough to warrant another start.
In terms of injuries, Romeo Lavia remains sidelined with a hamstring issue sustained after his delayed Chelsea debut against Manchester City on the first matchday. Reece James is also out as he continues to recover from yet another setback, with the added blow of a suspension due to a red card carried over from last season.
Potential Chelsea starting lineup:
Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Pedro Neto; Jackson
To view Crystal Palace’s possible lineup for this game, click here.
