Enzo Maresca has announced his choice for the goalkeeper position ahead of Chelsea’s match against Panathinaikos. The manager confirmed the decision, indicating his confidence in the selected player to perform in the upcoming game.
Chelsea will travel to Athens to face Panathinaikos in the Conference League on Thursday evening. Enzo Maresca is expected to make significant changes to the starting lineup following Sunday's loss to Liverpool, with Enzo Fernandez potentially set to start in midfield.
Chelsea’s B team will have the opportunity to impress on Thursday as they face Panathinaikos in the Conference League.
The depth of Enzo Maresca’s squad allows for significant changes from the usual Premier League lineup without compromising quality.
While their campaign started with a 4-2 win over Gent, the away match in Athens presents a tougher challenge. The reserve side previously lost 2-1 to Servette in the play-offs, with Maresca’s success largely coming at Stamford Bridge. Expect a revamped lineup following Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at Anfield.
**GK: Filip Jorgensen** – Concerns remain regarding Jorgensen, who is dealing with a head injury, but there is optimism that he will be fit to play in the Conference League lineup.
**RB: Axel Disasi** – With Reece James’ playing time being managed and Malo Gusto likely resting for Sunday, Disasi will retain his position at right-back after providing an assist against Gent.
**CB: Tosin Adarabioyo** – Tosin received significant attention from Arsenal fans over the weekend. He stepped into the Premier League XI due to Wesley Fofana’s absence, and many Gooners felt he should have been sent off for a foul similar to the one that got William Saliba a red card at Bournemouth.
**CB: Benoit Badiashile** – Badiashile has had limited appearances in the Premier League, including a brief stint at Anfield, but he isn’t likely to replace Levi Colwill in the defensive lineup anytime soon.
**LB: Renato Veiga** – The former Basel defender excelled in Chelsea’s victory over Gent, playing an adventurous midfield role when the Blues had possession. He’s one to watch on Thursday.
**CM: Enzo Fernandez** – Fernandez did not feature in the match against Liverpool, where both Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo performed well. This match presents a good chance for the Argentine to return to the starting XI, likely playing as the deep-lying midfielder.
**CM: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall** – With limited opportunities in the Premier League, Dewsbury-Hall will need to focus on starting in this competition. He had a solid performance in Matchday 1.
**RM: Pedro Neto** – If Jadon Sancho continues to play as he did at Anfield, Neto will soon find himself in the Premier League XI. The Portuguese winger brought directness and pace off the bench on Sunday.
**AM: Joao Felix** – Felix has a flair for style, yet he struggles to contribute meaningfully, seemingly avoiding productivity.
**LM: Mykhaylo Mudryk** – Like several teammates, Mudryk is finding it hard to secure Premier League starts, making these matches crucial for him. He provided some energy and bright moments in Matchday 1.
**ST: Christopher Nkunku** – The French striker is poised to score multiple goals in this competition and managed to find the net against Gent despite not being heavily involved in the game.