Chelsea will continue their preseason tour looking for their first victory under Enzo Maresca against Scottish opposition Celtic. After an anticlimactic start versus Wrexham, will the Blues change things up or instil consistency in the starting 11? Here’s Chelsea’s predicted lineup for their summer showdown versus Celtic.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Celtic
How Chelsea Have Lined Up Recently
As many supporters anticipated, Chelsea switched to a 4-3-3 in Maresca’s first game at the helm. Robert Sanchez returned to the starting lineup as Chelsea’s number one after being phased out by Djordje Petrovic last season. Club captain Reece James led the back line while fellow Cobham graduate Levi Colwill, who got into an early game skirmish, deputized as an unorthodox left back. New signing Tosin Adarabioyo partnered Benoit Badiashille at centre half, completing a backline that didn’t concede a goal against Wrexham in the first half.
Romeo Lavia earned a start in defensive midfield after awaiting a long return away from injury and proved to be one of the standout performers. Attacking midfielders Christopher Nkunku and Carney Chukwuemeka played slightly ahead of him, picking up more advanced positions in the half-spaces between the lines.
Following his summer transfer from Barcelona, 18 year old Marc Guiu seized his opportunity to lead the line against Wrexham. Noni Madueke joined the Spaniard in attack on the right wing, and academy graduate Tyrique George impressed, in his start on the left after making the first team leap.
Chelsea Recent Form and Tactics
Ascending anticipation for the start of Chelsea’s pre-season tour came to a disappointing standstill following their 2-2 draw against Wrexham. The Blues need to find success quickly before media scrutiny begins to overshadow their football.
Despite a disappointing draw, Chelsea supporters got their first look into Enzo Maresca’s new innovative tactics. Most notably, right-back Reece James often inverted by pushing into midfield alongside Lavia. This tactical move created the reputable four-man “box” midfield with two more advanced numbers eights occupying the half-spaces. To accommodate the inverted fullback, the rest of the backline created a makeshift back three in the build-up and transition phases.
However, the introduction to these tactics wasn’t pretty. The combination of learning new tactics and dusting off the preseason cobwebs was reflected through a lethargic build-up and leaky defence. Chelsea supporters should expect an error-prone start to the Maresca era as the team works toward ironing out the kinks.
Chelsea Injuries to Consider
In typically Chelsea fashion, multiple high-profile players are carrying small knocks that may delay their preseason appearance. Mykhailo Mudryk, Axel Disasi, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Renato Veiga all missed the game against Wrexham with small knocks. None are expected to be out for a notable duration, but it’s worth monitoring. Striker Nicolas Jackson is also still rehabilitating from an ankle injury sustained on international duty this summer.
Additionally, Moises Caicedo recently returned from holiday but may need time to build his fitness. On the contrary, Cole Palmer, Conor Gallagher, Enzo Fernandez, and Marc Cucurella are yet to return from their international break.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup
GK: Robert Sanchez
RB: Reece James
CB: Wesley Fofana
CB: Benoit Badiashile
LB: Levi Colwill
DM: Romeo Lavia
CM: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
CM: Christopher Nkunku
RW: Noni Madueke
ST: Marc Guiu
LW: Raheem Sterling
