Enzo Maresca embarks on a new horizon as the league phase of the Europa Conference League begins for his Blues. This is a Chelsea predicted lineup for their clash with Belgian side Gent as the English club look to continue their strong run of form.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs Gent in Europa Conference League Tie
How Chelsea Have Lined Up Recently
Despite some pushback from the manager there appears to be a clear A-team and B-team emerging. The Premier League eleven usually consists of Robert Sanchez with Marc Cucurella, Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, and Malo Gusto as the defensive unit. An injury to Gusto did force some changes recently as Axel Disasi and Tosin Adarabioyo both got game time.
Read More: Djordje Petrovic Makes Ambitious Statement on Chelsea Future
The midfield has remained consistent with Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, and Cole Palmer operating as the central three with Noni Madueke, Jadon Sancho, and Nicolas Jackson making up the attacking trio.
Read More: ‘Interest Remains’: Key Update on Chelsea Interest in ‘Fantastic’ Striker
In cup ties and Europe, Filip Jorgensen is the preferred option in goal while Renato Veiga, Benoit Badiashile, Tosin, and Disasi has been the back four. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Cesare Casadei lined out as the two deeper midfielders against Barrow while Joao Felix, Mykahilo Mudryk, Pedro Neto, and Christopher Nkunku made up an attacking four.
Chelsea Recent Form and Tactics
The team sets up in a fluid 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 with a Fernandez or Dewsbury-Hall moving up and occupying space on the left while someone like Palmer can be the CAM or he can drop a little deeper to pick up the ball as a CM. Against weaker teams, there’s a slightly more attacking slant with Felix preferring to stay high as Veiga tucks in next to Casadei in front of a back three. When against lower-level opposition it is more of a 3-2-4-1.
Read More: How Enzo Maresca Has Revolutionised Chelsea’s ‘Broken’ Star
The Blues are on a strong run of five matches without a loss. Things have really clicked in the past three as they blew past West Ham, Barrow and Brighton netting 12 goals in that stretch. With the shooting boots on there’s no doubt the attack will be aiming to feast against Gent.
Read More: Looking at Who’s to Blame if Chelsea Fail in 2024/25: All Eyes on the Sporting Directors and Owners
Another encouraging trend for fans is the recent slate of clean sheets with the team going three whole matches without concerning before two Sanchez mistakes ended that run. Despite that the defensive side looks much more solid lately.
Chelsea Absences to Consider
Reece James continues to be the only injured squad member per the manager. Despite that, squad limitations will leave Maresca without Palmer, Fofan, and the recent returnee Romeo Lavia who came off the bench against the Seagulls. Ben Chilwell made an appearance in the Carabao Cup but he’s not in the European squad either.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs Gent
The secondary eleven will likely all come in with an eye on Nottingham Forest this weekend so eleven changes are predicted.
GK – Filip Jorgensen
LB – Renato Veiga
CB – Benoit Badiashile
CB – Tosin Adarabioyo
RB – Axel Disasi
DM – Cesare Casadei
DM/CM – Kiernan Dewsbury Hall
CM/AM – Joao Felix
LW – Mykahilo Mudryk
RW – Pedro Neto
ST – Christopher Nkunku
