There will be a spring in Chelsea’s step when they turn up in Geneva on Thursday after they secured their first Premier League win of the Enzo Maresca era on Sunday.
The Blues were ruthless in the second half at Molineux as they turned an even contest into an emphatic victory. Noni Madueke netted his first Chelsea hat-trick in a 6-2 rout as Cole Palmer produced his first dazzling display of the new season.
Maresca’s side are now aiming to merely get the job done against Servette to progress into the league phase of the Conference League. An uninspiring 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge leaves them in command heading into the return leg, but there’s still plenty of football to be played in this tie.
Here’s how Chelsea could line up for the upcoming second leg in Switzerland.
GK: Filip Jorgensen – The summer arrival from Villarreal started the first leg in west London and is very much expected to be Chelsea’s go-to goalkeeper in this competition during his debut campaign.
RB: Malo Gusto – Maresca could call upon Axel Disasi at right-back, but the Frenchman underwhelmed in the first leg having just returned from injury. Gusto could continue in the team as a result.
CB: Tosin Adarabioyo – With Wesley Fofana absent from the Conference League squad, the former Fulham defender is set to make another start in Geneva. He’s fighting to displace the Frenchman in Maresca’s Premier League XI.
CB: Benoit Badiashile – The former Monaco defender currently ranks behind Levi Colwill in the left centre-back depth chart, so these outings are key for Badiashile. He has plenty to prove.
LB: Renato Veiga – Another new arrival, the enterprising Veiga seemed keen on making an impression in the first leg. Premier League starts are unlikely at this stage, but the versatile full-back nonetheless boasts an intriguing profile.
CM: Enzo Fernandez – With Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia both doubts, Argentina international Fernandez is a shoo-in to start at the base of midfield on Thursday.
CM: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – Maresca’s go-to man at Leicester last season is currently on the periphery, but the dynamic midfielder will get a chance to impress in Switzerland.
RW: Pedro Neto – The explosive winger enjoyed a successful return to Molineux at the weekend and looks set to play a leading role for the Blues in his first season, provided he stays injury-free. Palmer and Madueke should be rested.
AM: Joao Felix – After scoring on his second Chelsea debut at the weekend, Felix is expected to come into the starting XI on Thursday.
LM: Mykhaylo Mudryk – There were signs of Maresca’s patience running thin with Mudryk last Thursday, but the Ukrainian could get another chance in Geneva with the Italian boss potentially shifting to alternative wide options this weekend.
ST: Christopher Nkunku – Marc Guiu will also earn minutes, but Nkunku is a sure bet to return to Maresca’s XI in midweek after playing a mere ten minutes on Sunday and could perform a withdrawn forward function.
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