As the curtains draw open on the Conference League campaign, Chelsea’s B team takes center stage on Thursday evening with a tricky away trip to face Panathinaikos. For Enzo Maresca, the opportunity to ring in a number of changes to his Premier League side after a draining 2-1 loss to Liverpool on Sunday is a welcome one. With the likes of Reece James, Kanté, and Wesley Fofana likely to be given the weekend off, the Italian will look to fresh blood to inject some much-needed energy into the team.
Goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, who has been struggling with a head injury, is set to start alongside a defense that will see the inclusion of several second-choice options. Axel Disasi is primed to continue at right-back, with Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile marshaling the central defense. Renato Veiga, who impressed with his playmaking abilities in the 4-2 win over Gent, will fill in at left-back.
In midfield, Maresca will look to Enzo Fernandez and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to provide the middle order with some much-needed creativity, while Pedro Neto and Mykhaylo Mudryk will offer width down the flanks. Up front, the forward line will be led by the pacey Christopher Nkunku, who marked his debut with a goal against Gent.
While the task at hand is unlikely to be an easy one, Maresca’s B team will be eager to prove themselves in a competition that holds high stakes for the club. With the squad at his disposal, the Italian will look to mix and match to maximize his team’s chances against a Panathinaikos side that will be desperate to make a statement on their own turf. As the lights come on in Athens, Chelsea’s B team will be expected to shine, and it remains to be seen if they have what it takes to make a lasting impression in the Conference League.
