Enzo Maresca is set to begin his tenure as Chelsea’s head coach with a formidable challenge as the 2024/25 Premier League season kicks off.
Chelsea will face Manchester City, the reigning champions, at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Maresca, who previously worked under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, must make crucial decisions regarding his squad selection from a deep pool of talent, which could include a last-minute transfer addition before the Friday noon deadline.
One of the key discussions surrounding Chelsea is their ongoing negotiations with Atletico Madrid for the possible return of Joao Felix.
Felix, who enjoyed a loan spell at Chelsea during the latter half of the 2022/23 season, is reportedly keen to rejoin the club.
However, an agreement between the clubs appears to be elusive at this stage.
If a deal is struck quickly, Felix might be included in the squad to face Manchester City, though Chelsea would need to expedite his medical examination to ensure his availability.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s new signing, Pedro Neto, is expected to be part of the matchday squad.
However, it remains uncertain whether Neto will be in the starting lineup, given that other players have had a more extensive pre-season preparation.
Maresca will need to weigh the benefits of starting a new player versus utilizing those who have already built momentum during pre-season.
In goal, Maresca faces a decision between Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen, with Djordje Petrovic seemingly not in the running for a starting position.
The defense is another area of focus, particularly with Reece James unavailable due to suspension.
Malo Gusto is likely to step in at right-back, while Marc Cucurella is expected to occupy the left-back position.
The need to trim the squad to 20 players might mean that Ben Chilwell and Axel Disasi are left out, especially considering Disasi’s lack of involvement in pre-season games.
Midfield selection is also a challenge, particularly with the return of Carney Chukwuemeka, who played in early pre-season matches before being sidelined.
Chukwuemeka could be among those excluded from the final squad due to the abundance of central midfield options.
Chelsea’s wealth of attacking talent might limit the number of central midfielders that can be included, potentially reducing the midfield contingent to just four players.
One possible solution for Maresca is to deploy certain attackers, such as Christopher Nkunku, in midfield roles.
Nkunku, who was tested as an attacking midfielder during Chelsea’s U.S. tour, could offer versatility and help balance the squad. Additionally, the inclusion of 18-year-old striker Marc Guiu remains uncertain.
Despite his impressive pre-season performances, Guiu may struggle to secure a spot in the matchday squad unless Chelsea reduces its attacking roster or fails to sign Felix in time for the match.
As Maresca prepares for his Premier League debut, he will need to make tough decisions about squad selection, particularly with a strong opponent like Manchester City awaiting.
The final 20-man squad is expected to feature key players across all positions, ensuring Chelsea is as competitive as possible for their opening fixture.
Predicted Chelsea 20-man squad:
–Goalkeepers: Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen
– Defenders: Malo Gusto, Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, Marc Cucurella, Tosin Adarabioyo
– Midfielders: Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
– Attackers: Cole Palmer, Joao Felix (if signed by Friday), Pedro Neto, Christopher Nkunku, Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, Nicolas Jackson
As Chelsea gears up for the start of the season, Maresca’s squad decisions will be closely scrutinized, particularly in how he balances the inclusion of new signings, returning loanees, and the existing squad.
