It’s honestly surprising just how frustrated Chelsea fans are over something as routine as a starting lineup for a UEFA Conference League tie — but here we are.
Enzo Maresca has named his squad for the second leg against Legia Warsaw, and the choices have left many supporters scratching their heads.
Heading into this fixture, Chelsea already enjoy a comfortable 3-0 lead.
With such a cushion and facing opposition that isn’t exactly top-tier, most fans expected Maresca to rotate his players.
This seemed like a perfect chance to rest regular starters, protect those with fitness concerns, and give fringe players or promising academy prospects some much-needed game time.
Instead, Maresca has opted to go nearly full-strength, fielding several of Chelsea’s key first-teamers.
It’s a call that many see as unnecessary and even reckless — particularly with a high-pressure Premier League fixture against Fulham looming just a few days later.
One of the most controversial inclusions is Reece James.
Given his injury history and the medical guidance suggesting he can only manage one game per week, starting him tonight is a huge risk.
Fans fear that his appearance in this European match means he’ll be unavailable for Sunday’s Premier League clash — a game that holds far more weight in Chelsea’s pursuit of Champions League qualification.
But James isn’t the only eyebrow-raising selection.
Cole Palmer, Marc Cucurella, and Nicolas Jackson are also starting, leaving fans wondering why Maresca is risking so many key players in a game that, realistically, shouldn’t demand such firepower.
The decision raises questions about Maresca’s trust in the depth of his squad.
Is this about sending a message? Is he overestimating the importance of tonight’s game?
Or perhaps underestimating the physical toll these matches can have with such a tight turnaround?
Even more confusing is the decision to leave young talents like Tyrique George on the bench.
If ever there was an ideal scenario to blood an academy player and build his confidence, it’s this one — especially with the tie virtually secured.
The only reason that could justify George’s exclusion from the starting eleven is if he’s being saved for a key role against Fulham.
But that explanation doesn’t seem to hold much weight among fans.
This time around, supporters aren’t even complaining about a lack of youth representation — rather, their concern is the potential burnout or injury risk to key players in a low-stakes match.
If any of them suffer a knock or end up unavailable on Sunday, tonight’s decisions could be remembered as a huge blunder.
Now, everyone is eagerly awaiting Maresca’s post-match comments to shed some light on his thinking.
As it stands, it feels like a gamble that may prove costly.
