“He absolutely has to start in this match if you get back to winning; with a brilliant performance like that, it would be absurd not to have him in the lineup,” Frank Lampard insists that Enzo Maresca must feature the “brilliant” Chelsea player in the starting XI for their crucial Premier League clash against Fulham.

Chelsea will aim to bounce back from their recent setback as they host local rivals Fulham at Stamford Bridge this afternoon.

The Blues had built an impressive eight-game winning streak across all competitions under Enzo Maresca before Everton halted their momentum in their previous outing.

Maresca faced selection challenges at Goodison Park, with Malo Gusto deployed at left-back and Axel Disasi on the right.

READ MORE: Pat Nevin empathizes with £39m Chelsea player following Everton clash.

The familiar dilemma regarding Chelsea’s wide options saw the Italian manager bench Noni Madueke in favor of Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho in the last match.

Neto, returning from suspension due to yellow card accumulation, proved vital against Everton. His work rate was instrumental in shielding Disasi from Iliman Ndiaye’s threat, earning him praise from Jason Cundy, who labeled his display “brilliant.”

Fulham’s primary danger in today’s encounter is likely to come from Antonee Robinson, their left-back. The American has already registered six assists and created 20 chances in the Premier League this season.

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Robinson’s pace is another major asset, clocking a top speed of 35.1kph this season, making him one of the fastest players in the league.

Chelsea’s Pedro Neto edges ahead, reaching a remarkable 35.4kph, the highest among Chelsea players and faster than Mykhailo Mudryk.

Top Speed Stats for Premier League Players:

• Micky van de Ven (Tottenham): 37.1
• Carlos Forbs (Wolves): 36.6
• Anthony Elanga (Nottingham Forest): 35.9
• Erling Haaland (Man City): 35.7
• Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal): 35.6
• Alejandro Garnacho (Man Utd): 35.5
• Cameron Archer (Southampton): 35.5
• Pedro Neto (Chelsea): 35.4
• Yankuba Minteh (Brighton): 35.4
• Mohammed Kudus (West Ham): 35.3
• Antonee Robinson (Fulham): 35.1

On the other hand, Madueke, who has recorded a top speed of just 28.7kph, may struggle to track Robinson on counterattacks. While leaving Madueke out might limit Chelsea’s attacking directness—he has scored five goals and provided three assists in the league—Maresca has plenty of firepower at his disposal.

Considering the defensive responsibilities required to contain a formidable Fulham side, Neto’s role will be pivotal for Chelsea this afternoon.