Cole Palmer scored four goals for Chelsea in their win over Brighton on Saturday afternoon(Image: Robin Jones)
Palmer replacement, Nkunku decision as Maresca makes 11 changes - Predicted Chelsea XI vs Gent
Bobby Vincent predicts Chelsea's line-up for their UEFA Conference League opener against Gent this evening with Enzo Maresca expected to make a host of changes to his side
Enzo Maresca is once again expected to make a host of changes to his Chelsea side as they welcome Gent to Stamford Bridge this evening.
The Blues kick off their UEFA Conference League league phase - formerly known as the group stage - tonight, as Belgian outfit Gent look to cause a shock in SW6. Coming into the game, Chelsea have won four on the bounce in all competitions.
In the process, Maresca has seen his side concede just twice - both of which came in the first half of the 4-2 win against Brighton at the weekend - while scoring 13 goals across the four matches. The Blues head coach will be desperate to make it five successive victories tonight but he is still expected to make plenty of changes to his team.
Against Barrow, we saw Maresca change the team completely, with 11 alterations from the side that beat West Ham United. This time around, we could see similar, as Bobby Vincent writes...
GK: Filip Jorgensen
Jorgensen has been Maresca's go-to in goal during the cup competitions thus far. That looks set to continue this evening. Even though Maresca played down the pressure on Robert Sanchez after an awful performance at the weekend, this is a chance for Jorgensen to make himself counted.(Image: Kevin Hodgson - MI News/NurPhoto)
Disasi could come back in at right-back. It is far from the ideal option for Maresca when Malo Gusto gets a rest, but with Reece James still sidelined, it looks to be his preferred option. Josh Acheampong is set to be named in the squad.(Image: Gaspafotos/MB Media)
Tosin has been in wonderful form recently when featuring for the Blues. The former Fulham centre-back is expected to come into the side with Wesley Fofana not named in the Conference League squad.(Image: Charlotte Wilson/Offside)
Badiashile has partnered Tosin against the likes of Servette and Barrow in recent weeks. The Frenchman is expected to be named in the side with Levi Colwill given a rest.(Image: Mike Hewitt)
Veiga is set to replace Marc Cucurella on the left-hand side of a back four. The Portuguese defender can play in a variety of positions but has been used predominantly at left-back when given the chance by Maresca in the early days of his Chelsea career.(Image: Richard Heathcote)
Casadei was impressive against Barrow less than a week ago. Playing in a new role, Maresca detailed yesterday afternoon how he has no doubts that his Italian countryman can adapt to the position.(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
Dewsbury-Hall was left out of the squad during the weekend's win against Brighton but there was no injury for the midfielder. The former Leicester City man could come back into the side to partner Casadei with Gent coming to town.(Image: Marc Atkins)
Neto is expected to replace Noni Madueke on the right-hand side of the front line. The Portugal international has shown glimpses of his undeniable talent in the early weeks of his time at Stamford Bridge but he is yet to set the world alight for his new club.(Image: Robin Jones)
Felix is likely to be handed his second start of the season. Last week, Felix made his first start against Barrow and the Portuguese attacker was really impressive. A very versatile option for Maresca, but you would expect him to play in the No.10 role.(Image: Mike Hewitt)
Mudryk is perhaps the only one of the Chelsea attackers that is not in positive form right now. He was okay against Barrow but did not do enough to convince against lower league opposition. Tonight is another chance for the Ukraine international to come alive.(Image: Charlotte Wilson/Offside)
Nkunku has been so unfortunate not to start in the Premier League but the form of Nicolas Jackson has prevented him. However, it is expected that the Frenchman comes into the side to lead the line against Gent. Nkunku has bagged six goals already this term and if he is told to go from the start, expect that number to increase tomorrow night.(Image: Robin Jones)