Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca will need to find a replacement for the in-form Pedro Neto when his team faces Brentford at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Neto is suspended for one match after receiving his fifth yellow card of the Premier League season during Chelsea’s thrilling 4-3 win over Tottenham last Sunday.
Maresca made several changes to his lineup for the Conference League victory over Astana midweek, with Neto the only player retained to maintain his fitness. The young Chelsea squad triumphed 3-1 in freezing conditions in Kazakhstan.
With Premier League action resuming this weekend, Maresca will aim to keep the pressure on league leaders Liverpool by securing a win over Brentford. Here’s how Express Sport predicts Chelsea may line up.
Predicted Chelsea Line-up (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Sanchez
Robert Sanchez’s performances have faced some scrutiny this season, but he is expected to remain as Maresca’s first-choice goalkeeper, with Filip Jorgensen starting Chelsea’s Europa League games.
Defenders: Caicedo, Badiashile, Colwill, Cucurella
Moises Caicedo has been impressive as an inverted right-back, contributing to Chelsea’s defensive solidity while helping to overload central areas. This role may keep Malo Gusto and Reece James out of the starting lineup. Benoit Badiashile, who played well in the victory over Spurs, is likely to retain his place, especially with Wesley Fofana expected to miss much of the festive period.
Midfielders: Lavia, Fernandez, Palmer
Caicedo’s move to right-back has allowed Enzo Fernandez to return to midfield, where he delivered a brilliant volley against Spurs. His performances have noticeably improved this season. Cole Palmer will likely remain in the No. 10 role unless Maresca plans a tactical shift in light of Neto’s suspension. Palmer might start on the right side of the attack, with Fernandez pushed forward, potentially with Caicedo moving back into the middle.
Alternatively, Maresca may opt for a direct replacement for Neto in Noni Madueke. The 22-year-old was unfortunate to be benched against Spurs after a standout performance with a goal and an assist in the 5-1 win over Southampton.
Attackers: Sancho, Jackson
Jadon Sancho will look to continue his strong form on the opposite wing, having rediscovered his best at Chelsea after a difficult time at Manchester United. Nicolas Jackson, Chelsea’s main striker, has been in excellent form, scoring eight goals in 14 Premier League appearances this season, strengthening the case for Chelsea not signing another forward.
Leave a Reply