Chelsea’s 2023/24 campaign has fully kicked off. The Blues have played three Premier League games sitting at 10th in the top half of the table for the first time in a while with four points out of a possible nine. The West Londoners now face a new challenge in their first non-league game of the season in the Carabao Cup tomorrow against League 2 side AFC Wimbledon.
The encounter will give the Blues an opportunity to rest some of the more senior players within the squad and allow the youngsters to show what they can contribute to this renewed Mauricio Pochettino side. For a few players in particular, this game will be crucial in determining whether they can force their way into the boss’s plan and compete for Premier League minutes. Despite the level of opposition, this tie still remains a must-win and the Blues will need to field a starting 11 capable of getting the job done.
Here are five Blues who must start for Chelsea against Wimbledon
No.1 Noni Madueke
In a frustrating campaign last season that had little standouts individually for the Blues, now 21-year-old Noni Madueke brought a much-needed spark to Chelsea’s lackluster attack. The U21 England international impressed with his fearlessness in taking players on and seamlessly coasting past opposition defenders with his pace and dribbling. Although his final product left more to be desired, it became certain that Madueke would play a crucial role in Chelsea’s front line for years to come.
Unfortunately, injuries have hindered his ability to hit the ground running this season, missing out on most of the fun during preseason and only registering 15 minutes in the league this season. This game against Wimbledon presents the perfect opportunity for Madueke to find his footing this season and prove that he can be competition for Raheem Sterling in that right winger role. Although his flair and dribbling are exciting, anything other than tangible output in the final third specifically in terms of goals or assists granted he starts will be disappointing.
No.2 Ian Maatsen
Ian Maatsen was arguably one of Chelsea’s most impressive players in preseason along with Nicolas Jackson. The Dutchman returned from loan with Burnley and displayed remarking versatility in terms of where he could play on the pitch. He featured in just about every position in the front-line providing goals, assists and linking up play well all while rarely playing in his favored left back role.
Despite Maatsen’s impressive preseason, his versatility has in some way turned against him as he has failed to get many minutes during league games with Ben Chilwell locking in the left flank and Pochettino fielding less forwards in a three at the back system. Against Wimbledon, the Ian Maatsen positional experiment can safely continue, and the Dutchman could feature once again in the left wing with the injury to Mykhailo Mudryk or in his natural left back role to rest Ben Chilwell. Regardless of where he starts, Maatsen deserves the chance and the rumored departure of Marc Cucurella on loan is sure to open more opportunities in the rotation for the 21-year-old.
No.3 Moises Caicedo
It may seem a bit strange starting Moises Caicedo in a game of this nature, but the Ecuadorian still needs a lot more game time to get back to his best self for the Blues. His debut against West Ham was the best indicator of that, constantly losing possession and conceding the penalty that killed any hope of Chelsea winning the derby. With at least 45 starting minutes in the game against Wimbledon, Caicedo can be given the chance get more comfortable in his role for this Blues side and prove the worth of his £115m price tag.
No.4 Bashir Humphreys
Bashir Humphreys subtlety had a very good preseason and impressed Pochettino enough to remain with the first team squad for league games. The young English defender was solid defensively but particularly was very comfortable with the ball at his feet sharing similarities with fellow Cobham graduate Levi Colwill. With Levi Colwill, Axel Disasi and Thiago Silva all having played three division fixtures in a row, it’s almost certain that at least two out of three of them will be rested for this game. That will give the opportunity to Humphreys to handle the backline in his first official minutes this season.
No.5 Lesley Ugochukwu
Surprisingly it seems like 19-year-old defensive midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu will be staying with the first team squad after being expected to go out on loan with the signings of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia. In his limited appearances in a couple of the Blues first three EPL games Ugochukwu has looked comfortable in a deeper role and showed the ability to go forward while never really setting a foot wrong.
This game against Wimbledon will give Mauricio Pochettino and the fanbase the opportunity to see the young Frenchman’s full ability in the midfield. With the departure of Andrey Santos on loan to Nottingham Forest, Ugochukwu will serve as good young depth in the middle of the park and hopefully he impresses enough to gain more playing time in the league.