Pedro Neto
Pedro Neto is expected to start at centre-forward, having been rested on Thursday against Copenhagen in the UEFA Europa Conference League match.
With Chelsea’s attacking options severely depleted due to injuries, Neto has emerged as an unexpected solution for Enzo Maresca. Nicolas Jackson’s injury in the 2-1 win over West Ham in early February, followed by Marc Guiu’s setback in the same week, left Chelsea short of natural strikers.
Christopher Nkunku struggled when deployed as the lone forward, while a false-nine experiment with Cole Palmer also failed to ignite Chelsea’s attack. Maresca was forced to switch things up again, deploying Neto as the central striker. His movement and pace have helped stretch opposition defences in recent games, making him a key presence in Chelsea’s frontline.
With injuries ruling out Noni Madueke, Nicolas Jackson, and Marc Guiu—along with Mykhailo Mudryk’s suspension—Neto is now a nailed-on starter in Chelsea’s attack. The Portuguese forward has been in fine form, scoring two goals and providing two assists in his last four league games.
Against a Leicester side that has conceded 34 goals in 13 away matches this season, Neto will have plenty of opportunities to make an impact and further cement his place in the team at a crucial time for Chelsea.