Chelsea will be hoping to mark their return to the Champions League with a win. The Blues failed to make the competition in the last two editions. And while they are the reigning world champions, it is still unclear whether this young side is capable of keeping up with the best teams in Europe's elite competition. We will get a good indication of that when they take on Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on matchday one.
That is one of the toughest welcome-back games that Chelsea could have been handed. The club do have happy memories of going to the Allianz Arena and winning against Bayern Munich though. You all know which game we are talking about.
It has been a long time since then though. And this is a very different Chelsea team, not just when it comes to the individuals on the pitch but the thought process of the club as a whole as well.
The focus has been on signing the best young talents since the change in ownership. As a result, a lot of these players will be getting their first taste of the Champions League. What kind of a team will Enzo Maresca put out to deal with Bayern Munich?
Chelsea predicted XI vs Bayern Munich: Big returns and one risk
One would imagine that a few players will come back into the starting XI for a game of this magnitude. The first of them is Cole Palmer, who came off the bench against scored against Brentford. He is the main man for the Blues and the one who is know to step up to the plate on big occasions.
Considering Jamie Gittens' struggles, it would be worth starting Estevao as well. The Brazilian might only be 18 years of age but he has impressed whenever given a chance. He can start on the right while Pedro Neto takes up the spot on the left flank. Alejandro Garncho looked sharp going forward against Brentford, but he will probably be more effective off the bench.
And on the right, it is time to start Reece James, after he has been left out of the starting XI in a number of games already this season. Yes, the club captain's load needs to be managed. He must play on these occasions though. The Englishman is brilliant both going forward and defensively, which is not something we can say about Malo Gusto. As for Wesley Fofana, that thought should not even cross Maresca's mind after the performance he put in against Brentford.
Up top, Chelsea have very little choice but to start Joao Pedro. The Brazilian has been exceptional but was not believed to be 100% fit at the weekend. Yet, he did end up playing 79 minutes and providing an assist. Maresca needs to be careful, not to play him too much though. This is why the decision to part ways with Nicolas Jackson was a risky one.
Here is how we think Chelsea will, or should, line up against Bayern Munich: Robert Sanchez, Reece James, Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Cucurella, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Cole Palmer, Estevao, Joao Pedro, Pedro Neto.