Chelsea hosts Legia Warsaw at Stamford Bridge on Thursday in the second leg of the UEFA Conference League quarter-finals. The Blues hold a 3-0 advantage over the Polish side from the first leg. Here are three things to look out for in the match.
1. Full-back decisions continue to raise questions
The Blues had nearly their strongest XI for their Premier League match against Ipswich Town. However, the notable absence was of a player who is usually deployed as a right-back. Despite having Reece James, Malo Gusto, and Josh Acheampong available, Enzo Maresca opted to start with Trevoh Chalobah in that position.
At half-time, Malo Gusto was introduced. But, as fans have been frustrated watching ever since Maresca took charge, Gusto was forced to play in an inverted role instead of supporting the team from the right flank like a proper full-back would.
Marc Cucurella played the full 90 minutes against Ipswich Town, so it can be expected that Maresca will once again start with both Reece James and Malo Gusto, one playing as a full-back on the left and the other playing in midfield, with Josh Acheampong starting at right-back like he did the previous Thursday in Poland.
Like most of Chelsea’s issues, this one is also self-inflicted by Maresca. He had Renato Veiga, who could have played at left-back. Instead, he alienated the Portuguese player, forcing him to seek a move to Juventus on loan during the winter, which left Chelsea with just one recognized left-back.
When he plays either Reece James or Malo Gusto there, he ensures the other is playing as well. Thus, whenever Marc Cucurella is available, the other flank is occupied by a makeshift player, putting Chelsea at a disadvantage on one end as seen against Ipswich Town as they failed to win.