Predicted XI: Enzo Maresca to disappoint fans by picking legs over talent in solid Chelsea selection
Enzo Maresca had an interesting team selection to make on Saturday, on the back of the international break and knowing he had tonight’s game coming up.
This will be a full force team from the Chelsea coach, despite the fact that Arsenal come to town on Sunday. So who does Maresca pick?
Maresca goes for solid side against Barca goal machines
Chelsea team against Spurs. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
In goal it will be Robert Sanchez. At right back, Reece James will probably get the nod given he played just 45 minutes at the weekend to keep him fresh. Marc Cucurella will soldier on at left back against his old team.
In the middle it gets interesting. Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile are both back and fit, but Trevoh Chalobah has been consistent alongside Fofana in recent weeks. We reckon it’s that pair who keep going for continuity, but don’t be surprised to see BB in there either.
In midfield, Moises Caicedo got a weekend rest and should return alongside Enzo Fernandez. Joao Pedro will continue playing in the hole. Out wide, Pedro Neto will continue on the right and Alejandro Garnacho should come back into the team fresh on the left after a rest at the weekend.
Liam Delap hasn’t impressed too much since his return from injury and suspension, but we suspect Maresca keeps faith in him for now. The alternative – which we will see later in the game if not from the start – is Estevao playing as number ten with JP leading the line.
In other Barca team news…
Whoever plays tonight, they’re going to have their work cut out keeping a clean sheet. This Barcelona team are as free scoring a team as we can remember, and they’re going to put our defenders to the test tonight.
Lamine Yamal and Estevao Willian are two of the most exciting young players in the world right now, and tonight is the first of potentially many clashes the two will have on the world stage…
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