Chelsea v Servette: Predicted Blues lie-up for Conference League clash

Enzo Maresca will hope to record his first win as Chelsea boss when his side face Swiss outfit Servette on Thursday. 

The Blues, who were beaten 2-0 by Manchester City on the opening weekend of the Premier League season, will welcome their Swiss opponents to Stamford Bridge for the first leg of their UEFA Conference League tie.

This summer has been a hectic one for the Blues, with several players arriving at the club and a number of first team players, including Conor Gallagher, departing the club.

Here, we predict the XI that Maresca may select for the visit of Servette.

Goalkeeper

Robert Sanchez started against the Citizens on Sunday, despite losing his starting spot to Djordje Petrovic towards the end of last term. Petrovic appears to have no place in Maresca’s plans, though, and Filip Jorgensen – a summer signing from Spanish side Villarreal – therefore looks likely to start on Thursday.

Defenders

At the back, Reece James is unlikely to be fit so Malo Gusto is likely to start at right-back. The Frenchman was one of Chelsea’s most impressive performers last season, and Maresca will hope he can continue to impress this term.

At centre-back, Tosin Adarabioyo could replace Wesley Fofana, who made his return to action against the Citizens but has spent several months out injured.

He could be partnered by Benoit Badiashile, who was an unused substitute against City. Levi Colwill started on Sunday, but he could be rested for the first leg of this tie.

Veiga could be in line for his first start for Chelsea

Centre-backs Fofana, Colwill and Axel Disasi have all been omitted from the Blues’ squad for this game.

At left-back, Marc Cucurella could also be rested having returned from international duty late after winning the Euros with Spain. Ben Chilwell has been told by Maresca that he is not part of his plans and he hasn’t been included in the squad for the game on Thursday, meaning that new signing Renato Veiga could make his first start for the club.

Midfielders

Enzo Fernandez captained Chelsea against City on Sunday, and the Argentine looks set to start once again on Thursday.

He could be partnered by Romeo Lavia, who impressed against Man City last time out. The midfielder made just one appearance last season due to injury, but he will hope to have an impressive campaign and play regularly for Maresca’s side this term.

Lavia has already equalled his appearance for tally last term

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who joined Chelsea from Leicester City over the summer, could make his first start for his new club in an advanced midfield role. The Englishman impressed under Maresca at Leicester City last term, but he will face a battle to start regularly for the Blues this season.

Forwards

In attack, Maresca has a plethora of options to choose from in all positions. Cole Palmer, named PFA Young Player of the Year earlier this week, could be rested after returning to pre-season late after helping England reach the final of the European Championships.

In his absence, Pedro Neto could be handed a first start for the club, having made his debut as a substitute on Sunday. The Portugal international joined from Wolves earlier this month.

Neto made his debut for Chelsea against Man City on Sunday

Through the middle, Nicolas Jackson is likely to start ahead of Marc Guiu, who may make an appearance from the bench. Christopher Nkunku is likely to sit this game out.

On the left, Noni Madueke could be given the nod ahead of teammate Mykhaylo Mudryk. Madueke impressed for Chelsea during pre-season, while Mudryk faces an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge after a disappointing first 18 months in London.

Predicted XI: Jorgensen; Gusto, Tosin, Badiashile, Veiga; Fernandez, Dewsbury-Hall, Lavia; Neto, Jackson, Madueke.