Chelsea kick off Premier League matchday three with a mouth-watering London derby towards next-door foes Fulham at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.
The Blues bought off to a rocky begin as they had been held to a goalless stalemate towards Crystal Palace on house turf, however the efficiency was encouraging.
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After shaking off the rust, the Blues unleashed their full attacking firepower on capital rivals West Ham United, handing former head coach Graham Potter a 5-0 thrashing in their very own yard.
Maresca will demand extra of the identical from his troops once they host Fulham on Saturday. Nonetheless, they may must do it with out talisman Cole Palmer after Maresca’s harm replace.
How Chelsea might line up
Maresca issued a irritating harm replace throughout his pre-match press convention after ruling Palmer out of the upcoming contest.
The 23-year-old was set to begin the sport towards West Ham, however he was withdrawn minutes earlier than kick-off after selecting up a knock whereas warming up.
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It was later confirmed that he had sustained a groin harm, and whereas it’s not considered a severe situation, .
Palmer was omitted of Thomas Tuchel’s newest England squad, and Chelsea will likely be hoping to have their lynchpin again to full health after the worldwide break.
Maresca additionally dominated out Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile, though there’s hope that the Belgian midfielder can return after the break.
Robert Sanchez seems to have turned a nook for the reason that tail finish of final season and will retain his place because the Blues’ designated shot stopper.
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Tosin Adarabioyo and Trevoh Chalobah ought to proceed their partnership on the coronary heart of the defence with Marc Cucurella and Reece James on both aspect.
Moises Caicedo ought to anchor the midfield alongside Enzo Fernandez, whereas Pedro Neto and Estevao line up on the flanks.
Maresca could possibly be tempted to repeat the trick he used at West Ham and deploy Joao Pedro in Palmer’s function whereas Liam Delap leads the road.