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Enzo Maresca has several selection headaches to contend with for competitive debut in Premier League opener

New Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has almost all of his enormous squad available to pick from for Sunday’s Premier League opener against Manchester City.

Reece James - who is suspended anyway - will miss the Stamford Bridge clash due to a hamstring issue and there have been injury concerns over Djordje Petrovic all summer, but otherwise the Blues have an embarrassing array of options vying for spots in the starting XI.

Robert Sanchez is set to get the nod over new signing Filip Jorgensen in goal having been the regular starter during pre-season.

Romeo Lavia has quickly emerged as a Maresca favourite in the midfield and should be partnered by Enzo Fernandez, with Moises Caicedo appearing to struggle to convince his new manager so far.

Fernandez has been tested out as the advanced midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 formation and Caicedo being included would be a hint at a more defensive approach against the defending champions, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall another option.

Noni Madueke, Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk and Christopher Nkunku are also contenders but Madueke is perhaps the most likely option having started the last two friendlies.

Marc Guiu’s performances have progressed through pre-season to make him the top candidate to start up front unless Maresca opts for Palmer or another surprise pick. Nicolas Jackson has enjoyed few minutes in the build-up to the season, Armando Broja is likely to leave and Nkunku has so far failed to impress.

Predicted Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, W Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Lavia, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Guiu

Doubts: Petrovic, Kellyman

Injuries: James

Suspensions: James

Unavailable: Gallagher

Time and date: 4.30pm BST on Sunday August 18, 2024

TV channel: Sky Sports