Chelsea team news: Predicted XI vs Brentford as suspended star gives Enzo Maresca issue

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca must find a replacement for the in-form Pedro Neto when the Blues welcome Brentford to Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Neto will serve a one-match ban after collecting his fifth yellow card of the Premier League season in the Blues’ thrilling 4-3 win over Tottenham last Sunday.

Maresca overhauled his line-up for the Conference League triumph over Astana in midweek, with only Neto keeping his place to maintain his fitness. A youthful Chelsea side won 3-1 in minus-11 degrees in Kazakhstan.

Premier League action returns this weekend and Maresca will want to keep up the pressure on leaders Liverpool with a win over Brentford. Here is how Express Sport believes the Blues might line up.

Predicted Chelsea line-up (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Sanchez

Robert Sanchez’s performances have come under scrutiny this season but he seems set to continue as Enzo Maresca’s first-choice goalkeeper. Filip Jorgensen, who ended last season as the No. 1, continued to start Chelsea’s Europa League fixtures.

Defenders: Caicedo, Badiashile, Colwill, Cucurella

Moises Caicedo has been excellent in an inverted right-back role, protecting the defence as Chelsea attempt to overload central areas. He will likely keep Malo Gusto and Reece James out of the position.

Wesley Fofana will likely miss most of Chelsea’s festive fixtures. Benoit Badiashile performed well in the victory over Spurs and could start again.

Midfielders: Lavia, Fernandez, Palmer

Caicedo’s switch to right-back has allowed Enzo Fernandez to come back into Chelsea’s starting 11. The club captain scored a stunning volley to put Chelsea ahead against Spurs. His performances have hugely improved since the start of the campaign.

Cole Palmer will continue in the No. 10 position, unless Maresca has a trick up his sleeve to deal with Neto’s absence. The England star could instead start on the right of the Chelsea attack, with Fernandez pushed higher into a more advanced midfield role – potentially with Caicedo moving into the middle.

Forwards: Madueke, Jackson, Sancho

Maresca may opt for something like that – but it seems likelier that he will use a like-for-like replacement in Madueke. The 22-year-old was unfortunate to drop to the bench against Spurs after scoring and assisting in the 5-1 win over Southampton the week prior.

On the other side of the attack, Jadon Sancho will hope to continue his own excellent form. The on-loan winger seems to have finally found a home at Stamford Bridge, banishing his Manchester United struggles.

Nicolas Jackson has excelled as Maresca’s No. 9 and is putting forward a compelling case for Chelsea not signing another striker. The 23-year-old has scored eight goals in 14 Premier League appearances this season.