£20m Chelsea star dropped as Enzo Maresca makes nine changes to his predicted Chelsea team against Panathinaikos
Prior to their Europa Conference League matchup with Panathinaikos of Greece later today, Chelsea made a prediction.
When Chelsea plays Panathinaikos of Greece, they will be looking to win both of their Europa Conference League opening games. The Blues defeated Gent 4-2 at home, and another victory on the road would be ideal for bolstering their hopes of making it to the competition’s knockout stages.
In what should be an exciting match, their hosts, Panathinaikos, are also eager to get their campaign starting after drawing 1-1 with Bosnian team Borac Banja Luka.
With so much at stake and some players like Reece James, Romeo Lavia, and Cole Palmer left at home, here is the predicted team for the Blues:
Goalkeeper and Defenders
Filip Jorgensen is the number one for the cup game, and having missed the match against Liverpool, he is now set to come back into the side. The defence is where it gets tricky for the manager, as he looks to give minutes to players who have played a lot this season. So, Axel Disasi is likely to come in, along with Tosin Aderabioyo, Badiashile, and the invaluable utility option Renato Veiga. The absence of Josh Acheampong has sparked much debate, but this was a decision the manager has said he was considering for giving him minutes.
Midfield
The cup midfielders have been waiting for their opportunity, and they will have circled this game as the one they were hoping to get minutes in—so expect to see Cesare Casadei, Dewsbury-Hall, who arrived from Leicester, and the skilful Joao Felix. Felix, in particular, will be looking to impress, as he was completely overlooked for the game against Liverpool at the weekend.
Forwards
There is keen competition in this area as well, with Pedro Neto likely to start on the right, while Mykhailo Mudryk and Christopher Nkunku will take up the interchanging left and middle positions.
Predicted Team:
Jorgensen; Disasi, Tosin, Badiashile, Veiga; Casadei, Dewsbury-Hall; Neto, Felix, Mudryk; Nkunku.