Chelsea are set to begin their Club World Cup campaign on Monday with a clash against LAFC, and manager Enzo Maresca has already made some bold squad decisions ahead of the tournament.
The Italian coach has chosen not to include any players who spent time out on loan this season, with the exception of young midfielder Andrey Santos.
Interestingly, Maresca has also decided not to use the full 35-man squad allowance, keeping the group tight and focused. This tournament could see debuts for some of Chelsea’s newest signings, including striker Liam Delap, midfielder Dario Essugo, defender Mamadou Sarr, and teenage goalkeeper Mike Penders.
However, for the opening match, Maresca is expected to field a strong lineup to ensure a confident start. Robert Sanchez is still Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper, despite the club’s late push to sign Mike Maignan just before the transfer window closed.
He’s likely to start behind a solid defence, although with Ben Chilwell unavailable, Marc Cucurella is the only senior left-back in the squad. Levi Colwill could also be used in that role if needed.
In midfield, Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez are expected to start, while the attack should be led by a familiar front four. Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, and Nicolas Jackson. Youngster Liam Delap is tipped to lead the line in what could be his Chelsea debut.
Club captain Reece James is likely to be rested for this one, and the only injury concern in the travelling squad is Argentine defender Aaron Anselmino.
Chelsea predicted XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Colwill, Tosin, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Madueke; Delap.
