Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is expected to make significant changes to his lineup as the team gears up for their Conference League group stage match against Belgian side Gent. The encounter offers an opportunity for players on the fringes of the starting eleven to showcase their abilities, while also giving a rest to key regulars who have featured prominently in the Premier League.
With Chelsea balancing domestic competitions alongside their European commitments, Maresca is likely to rotate his squad extensively, giving a platform to younger and less experienced players to make their mark. One such player is 18-year-old Josh Acheampong, who is set to receive his first senior start at right-back. Acheampong, a product of Chelsea’s youth academy, has impressed the coaching staff with his development and is ready to take on the responsibility in what will be a special moment for the young defender.
The goalkeeping situation is also up for a shake-up, with Robert Sanchez failing to impress in Chelsea’s recent league match against Brighton. Filip Jorgensen is expected to step in between the posts, giving the young Danish goalkeeper an opportunity to claim the starting spot. Jorgensen has been waiting patiently for his chance, and a strong performance against Gent could push him into consideration for future matches.
In defense, Maresca will likely opt for Tosin Adarabioyo, who has been pushing for more involvement in the Premier League but has found opportunities limited due to the strong performances of regular center-backs. Adarabioyo will partner Benoit Badiashile in the heart of the defense. Badiashile, who started the season as one of Chelsea’s primary center-back options, has seen his position come under threat from Levi Colwill, who has been in excellent form. This match presents an opportunity for Badiashile to remind the manager of his capabilities and reignite the competition for the left center-back spot.
With the need to manage player workloads, Marc Cucurella is expected to be rested, and Renato Veiga will likely start at left-back. Ben Chilwell’s absence from the squad also ensures that Veiga has a clear path to the starting role for this match. The Portuguese full-back has shown glimpses of his potential, and the game against Gent will provide him with a valuable chance to further establish himself in the squad.
In midfield, Kieran Dewsbury-Hall is expected to feature prominently once again. The former Leicester City player has been working hard to break into the first team regularly and has put in some commendable performances when given the chance. His presence in the center of the pitch will be crucial in dictating the tempo of the game, and Maresca will be looking to him to provide control and creativity in the middle of the park.
Joining Dewsbury-Hall in midfield will be Moises Caicedo. Despite being a regular starter in the Premier League, Caicedo is one of the most vital players in the current Chelsea setup, and his inclusion in the Conference League match highlights his importance. The Ecuadorian has been a consistent performer since arriving at Stamford Bridge, and his ability to break up opposition play and drive the team forward will be crucial in a match where Chelsea are expected to dominate possession.
On the flanks, Chelsea will deploy Pedro Neto and Mykhailo Mudryk. Neto, who arrived at the club from Wolverhampton Wanderers, has been working hard to cement a spot in the starting eleven. The Portuguese winger has shown flashes of brilliance but has yet to fully convince in his Premier League outings. The Conference League presents an opportunity for him to prove to Maresca that he can be relied upon for more regular starts. His pace and dribbling ability make him a dangerous weapon on the right flank, and Chelsea will be hoping that he can translate that into goals and assists against Gent.
On the opposite wing, Mykhailo Mudryk will be playing with a point to prove. The Ukrainian international has had a turbulent time at Chelsea, struggling to adapt to the demands of English football and the expectations that came with his high-profile move to the club. With his future at Stamford Bridge potentially on the line, this match could serve as a pivotal moment in his Chelsea career. Mudryk has the pace and technical ability to be a game-changer, but he will need to find consistency and end product if he is to remain a part of Maresca’s plans moving forward.
In attack, Joao Felix will start in the number 10 role, playing just behind the central striker. Felix, on loan from Atletico Madrid, has yet to make a Premier League start this season, but his technical ability and creative flair make him a valuable asset in matches like these. Maresca will be looking to the Portuguese playmaker to unlock Gent’s defense and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Leading the line will be Christopher Nkunku, who has been in fine form since joining Chelsea. The French forward has hit the ground running and quickly established himself as a key player for the Blues. With his lethal finishing and intelligent movement, Nkunku will be looking to add to his goal tally in this match. His presence up front will keep Gent’s defense on high alert, and Chelsea will be relying on him to provide the cutting edge in front of goal.
The predicted XI for the match against Gent is likely to be as follows:
Goalkeeper: Filip Jorgensen
Defense: Josh Acheampong, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Renato Veiga
Midfield: Kieran Dewsbury-Hall, Moises Caicedo
Attack: Pedro Neto, Joao Felix, Mykhailo Mudryk
Striker: Christopher Nkunku
This mix of youth and experience gives Chelsea a well-balanced lineup that should be more than capable of handling Gent in the Conference League. The inclusion of young talents like Acheampong and Veiga, alongside seasoned professionals like Caicedo and Nkunku, reflects Maresca’s intention to use the competition as a platform for player development while maintaining a winning mentality.
One notable aspect of Maresca’s approach has been his willingness to give younger players opportunities in important matches. This match against Gent is another example of that philosophy, with Acheampong being handed his first start. Chelsea’s youth academy has produced several first-team players over the years, and Acheampong will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Reece James and Mason Mount by establishing himself in the senior squad.
Acheampong’s inclusion also reflects Maresca’s pragmatic approach to managing the squad’s fitness levels. With Chelsea competing on multiple fronts this season, ensuring that key players remain fresh and injury-free is a priority. Malo Gusto, who recently returned from injury, is likely to be rested for this match, allowing Acheampong to step in. This rotation policy not only gives younger players a chance to impress but also helps maintain the overall fitness of the squad as they navigate a busy fixture schedule.
In central defense, the partnership of Adarabioyo and Badiashile provides a solid foundation. Adarabioyo has been waiting for his chance to feature more regularly, and this match gives him the opportunity to stake his claim for a spot in the Premier League lineup. Badiashile, on the other hand, is looking to reclaim his place after falling behind Colwill in the pecking order. The battle for the center-back positions is fierce, and a strong performance from either player could influence Maresca’s decisions in future league matches.
The midfield pairing of Dewsbury-Hall and Caicedo strikes a balance between control and aggression. Dewsbury-Hall’s ability to dictate play and link up with the attacking players makes him a key figure in the team’s buildup, while Caicedo’s defensive contributions and box-to-box energy ensure that Chelsea remain solid in transitions. Together, they form a dynamic midfield duo capable of both creating chances and shutting down opposition attacks.
On the wings, Neto and Mudryk will be expected to provide width and pace. Both players have a point to prove, with Neto looking to secure more playing time in the Premier League and Mudryk fighting for his future at the club. Their ability to stretch the Gent defense and deliver quality crosses into the box will be crucial to Chelsea’s attacking game plan.
Joao Felix’s role as the creative hub in the number 10 position gives Chelsea an additional layer of attacking threat. His vision, passing range, and dribbling skills make him a constant danger in and around the opposition’s penalty area. Felix’s ability to link up with the wide players and Nkunku will be key to breaking down what is expected to be a well-organized Gent defense.
Finally, Nkunku’s presence as the lone striker gives Chelsea a reliable goal-scoring outlet. His movement in the final third, coupled with his clinical finishing, makes him a constant threat to opposition defenses.
