“He’s the ideal partner for me. It’s finally time to give this young player the chance that he deserves. He has been doing so well in training, this match is the best chance to introduce him to the world” This is according to Cole Palmer as he urges Maresca to give this “sensational” Chelsea star a chance to shine.

Chelsea Set Sights on FA Cup Progression with Brighton Showdown

Chelsea head to the south coast tonight to take on Brighton in the FA Cup, aiming to take another step toward securing Enzo Maresca’s first trophy since his summer appointment.

Following their hard-fought 2-1 victory over London rivals West Ham United in the Premier League on Monday night, the Blues will be keen to build momentum with back-to-back wins.

Maresca’s squad breezed past League Two side Morecambe in the previous round with a dominant 5-0 victory, but tonight’s clash presents a much tougher challenge against fellow top-flight opposition.

Cole Palmer’s Influence in Chelsea’s Attack

One player Maresca could turn to for this crucial fixture is Cole Palmer, who has been instrumental in Chelsea’s attacking play this season. The 22-year-old has continued to shine in his second campaign at Stamford Bridge, despite the pressure of living up to his stellar debut year following his big-money move from Manchester City.

So far in the 2024/25 season, Palmer has been Chelsea’s standout performer in the final third, contributing 14 goals and six assists in 24 Premier League appearances. His impressive tally places him fourth in the league for combined goal contributions, emphasizing his importance to the squad.

With Brighton known for their ability to cause problems for any team, Palmer’s presence in the starting lineup could be key in avoiding a potential upset.

The Player Who Must Start Alongside Palmer

To maximize Chelsea’s attacking threat, Maresca should also turn to another key figure—Pedro Neto. The Portuguese winger arrived at Stamford Bridge last summer in a surprise £54 million move from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Although injuries have hampered Neto’s consistency in recent seasons, his ability remains undeniable. Journalist Ben Jacobs has even described the 24-year-old as “sensational.” Despite being benched for Chelsea’s last two fixtures, Neto made an instant impact off the bench against West Ham, scoring the crucial equalizer before the Blues secured all three points.

During his 38-minute cameo, Neto showcased his attacking intent by completing one of his two attempted dribbles and recording six touches inside the opposition box. With Palmer averaging 2.8 chances created per 90 minutes this season, Neto’s presence could provide the perfect partnership to unlock Brighton’s defense.

Why Neto Deserves a Starting Spot

Neto’s impressive performance against West Ham demonstrated exactly what Maresca needs—an impact player who can turn a game around. His movement, dribbling ability, and finishing touch could be the key to unlocking Brighton’s defensive setup.

By starting Neto alongside Palmer, Chelsea would have a dynamic attacking duo capable of creating and converting chances, increasing their chances of progressing to the next round of the FA Cup. With Maresca aiming for silverware in his debut season, making the right selection tonight could bring him one step closer to achieving that goal.