December 15th 2024.
After a thrilling victory in Kazakhstan against Astana, Chelsea is back on home turf for a west London showdown against Brentford. However, tonight's game has an unusual twist as it kicks off at 7pm instead of the usual time. This change was made to give the Blues some extra recovery time after their grueling Conference League match on Thursday.
Enzo Maresca, the head coach of Chelsea, once again made some significant changes to the starting lineup for their European game, giving some of his key players a well-deserved rest. This not only allowed for squad players to get some game time, but it also ensured that the team is in top shape for their upcoming match against Brentford on Sunday.
As the team prepares for tonight's game, one player who is likely to return to the starting XI is Noni Madueke. With Pedro Neto suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card in their previous game against Tottenham, Madueke is expected to fill in his spot. Another player who is set to make a comeback after being rested midweek is Cole Palmer. With 11 goals and six assists in just 15 Premier League games, Palmer is definitely one to watch out for.
Unfortunately, Chelsea will be without the services of Wesley Fofana and Reece James, who are both out due to injuries. This could potentially weaken their defense against a strong Brentford side. However, with the likes of Sancho in top form, the Blues will still be looking to secure a win.
One crucial decision for Maresca will be whether to start Malo Gusto at right-back or continue playing midfielder Moises Caicedo in that position. While Gusto has been the main right-back for Chelsea this season, Caicedo has also proven his worth in the position in their recent wins against Aston Villa and Tottenham. This could mean a reshuffle in the midfield, with Romeo Lavia and Enzo Fernandez likely to start alongside each other.
Speaking of the predicted lineup, it is expected that Sancho will once again lead the attack after scoring in two consecutive games. The team will also see the likes of Badiashile, Colwill, Cucurella, and Jackson in the starting XI. However, it remains to be seen whether Caicedo will stay in the right-back position or move back into central midfield, depending on Gusto's inclusion in the team.
For those wondering where to catch the game, unfortunately, it will not be broadcast live in the UK. This has caused some criticism from the Football Supporters' Association, who believe that the Sunday evening kick-off slot is not ideal for fans. However, with Chelsea's recent form, it is a game that should not be missed, regardless of the kick-off time. Let's hope for a thrilling match and a victory for the Blues!
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