Chelsea will be keen to bounce back from their midweek defeat to Servette when they take on Crystal Palace later today.
Enzo Maresca, the Chelsea manager, made several alterations to his lineup during the 2-1 loss to Servette, and it’s expected that he might adopt a similar approach for this afternoon’s London derby.
Joao Felix and Pedro Neto, who were not part of the squad for the Conference League match, could potentially be rewarded with starting positions today, following their impressive displays against Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend.
Both players made impactful contributions after coming off the bench in Chelsea’s 6-2 victory at Molineux, with each playing a role in the team’s sixth goal.
There’s a compelling argument for Joao Felix to be considered for a starting role as a striker.
Chelsea’s failure to secure a new striker before the transfer window closed means that Felix could be relied upon to lead the attack in certain matches throughout this season.
Maresca appears to have faith in Felix’s capability to perform as a No. 9, so it wouldn’t be surprising if he were to feature in that role during today’s encounter with Crystal Palace.
In the match against Servette, Jackson was introduced in the second half but squandered several scoring chances, while Felix remained on the bench.
However, Felix did get some minutes in the win against Wolves, where he managed to get on the scoresheet.
Although Jackson also scored in that match, his missed opportunities against Servette might prompt Maresca to give Felix a shot, especially given Felix’s impactful display last weekend.
When it comes to the decision of who will lead the line against Crystal Palace, it seems Jackson might still be favored despite the strong case for Felix.
While Jackson struggled with his finishing against Servette, he did contribute a goal and an assist against Wolves, and Maresca has publicly expressed his satisfaction with Jackson’s overall performance.
Despite Chelsea’s failure to sign a new striker on deadline day, the presence of players like Felix, who was acquired for £45 million, and Christopher Nkunku, who is also capable of playing as a No. 9, should ensure that Jackson faces both competition and support as the season progresses.
Felix’s potential deployment as a striker is particularly intriguing given Chelsea’s current attacking options.
With the transfer window closed and no new striker secured, Maresca might be forced to rely more on the versatility of his existing forwards.
Felix, who has shown his scoring ability when given the opportunity, could find himself playing a crucial role up front.
Maresca’s willingness to consider Felix for this position suggests that the manager sees potential in the Portuguese forward’s ability to adapt to different attacking roles within the team.
Jackson’s position as the likely starter is bolstered by his recent performances, which have included moments of brilliance despite his inconsistency in front of goal.
His goal and assist against Wolves are testament to his ability to contribute positively to the team’s attack, even if his finishing left something to be desired in the subsequent match against Servette.
Maresca’s confidence in Jackson indicates that the young striker will continue to be given opportunities to prove himself, although the pressure to perform will only intensify with Felix and Nkunku waiting in the wings.
The upcoming match against Crystal Palace could serve as a critical moment in Chelsea’s season, as Maresca seeks to find the right balance in his attacking lineup.
Whether Felix gets the nod to start as a striker or Jackson retains his place, Chelsea’s attacking options will need to be at their sharpest to secure a positive result.
With the competition for places heating up, both Felix and Jackson will be eager to make their mark and help Chelsea get back to winning ways after their disappointing midweek defeat.
As Chelsea prepare for this crucial London derby, Maresca’s selection decisions could have a significant impact on the outcome.
The manager’s faith in his players, particularly in their ability to adapt to different roles and positions, will be key as the team navigates the challenges of a long and demanding season.
Whether it’s Felix stepping up to fill the striker role or Jackson continuing to lead the line, Chelsea will need all their attacking firepower to overcome Crystal Palace and secure a much-needed victory.
