Chelsea predicted XI for first Conference League match: Enzo Maresca hands youngsters big chance

Chelsea thought for about a week that they had done enough to secure Europa League football for next season based on their results in the Premier League. However, victory in the FA Cup final for Manchester United saw them take that spot, condemning Chelsea to the Conference League.

The competition does give the Blues a chance to continue their previous history of winning every European honour available to them. There will also be a great chances for some youngsters to make their mark. Here is The ifeanyichukwuohume’s predicted XI for the first Conference League match.

Chelsea predicted XI The goalkeeper role will likely by taken by whoever is not starting the season in net in the Premier League, and we think that could well by Djordje Petrovic. Despite not being available for the first few games of the season, the aim will certainly be for Reece James to be the starting right-back, leaving these matches a precious opportunity for Malo Gusto to impress.

If he remains at the club after another transfer window where he has been tipped to leave , Trevoh Chalobah will start at the heart of defence. He will be partnered by Benoit Badiashile , who we think will play second fiddle to Levi Colwill on that side of a back two. At left back, Ben Chilwell will wear the armband and bring some experience that this young side will most definitely need from the off.

Midfield

It has already been reported that Andrey Santos is in the plans of the club, and he will be used in this competition to great effect. Partnering him will be Romeo Lavia, as he looks to build up experience as a Chelsea player after missing all of last season. Playing the slightly more attacking role will be Conor Gallagher. Reports have begun to hint there may be a turnaround coming surrounding his future.

Attack

Mykhailo Mudryk feels like the perfect player to get the most out of this competition. Some of his best performances for Shakhtar Donetsk came in Europe. On the opposite side, if a deal for a new winger is completed this could see Noni Madueke struggle for minutes, and play a lot of his games in the cup. Up front, we are predicting early that Jhon Duran will lead the line, with reports saying they are close to a deal with Aston Villa to sign him.