As Chelsea travel to Poland for the first leg of their UEFA Conference League quarter-final against Legia Warsaw, all eyes are on manager Enzo Maresca’s tactical reshuffle aimed at reigniting their European campaign.
Renewed Focus on European Ambitions
With domestic title aspirations off the table, the Conference League presents Chelsea with their final opportunity to secure silverware this season. The club is expected to deploy a stronger lineup after fielding a rotated squad during their recent goalless Premier League clash with Brentford.
Several key players, previously rested, are poised to return to the starting XI, bringing renewed intensity and experience to the pitch. The likes of Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, and Levi Colwill are set to be reinstated, as Maresca aims to maximize firepower and tighten defensive coordination.
Fresh Faces and Tactical Adjustments
Goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen is likely to retain his spot between the posts, reinforcing Chelsea’s strategy to offer match experience to emerging talent. In defense, academy standout Josh Acheampong and center-back Benoit Badiashile may receive valuable minutes, underlining the club’s trust in squad depth and youth development.
Marc Cucurella, a consistent presence in Maresca’s plans, is also expected to return to the left-back position, providing width and attacking support. On the wings, young talent Tyrique George continues to gain momentum with his performances in the competition and is anticipated to contribute again in Warsaw.
Injury Report and Absentees
Chelsea will be without several first-team players due to injuries and registration constraints. Wesley Fofana, although recovering, remains ineligible for this European fixture. Additionally, Romeo Lavia, Omari Kellyman, and Mykhailo Mudryk are ruled out, limiting Maresca’s rotation options.
Predicted Starting XI (4-2-3-1)
Jorgensen; Acheampong, Badiashile, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Dewsbury-Hall; George, Palmer, Neto; Jackson
Fixture Details
- Kick-off: 5.45 pm BST, Thursday, April 10, 2025
- Venue: Marshall Józef Piłsudski Legia Warsaw Stadium, Warsaw
- Broadcast: TNT Sports 1 and Discovery+
Final Prediction: Chelsea 2 – 1 Legia Warsaw
