Maresca hints at 3 huge changes to starting XI for Brighton game

Enzo Maresca has hinted that he might perhaps make a few significant alterations to his Chelsea starting lineup for the Brighton & Hove Albion match this coming weekend. The Italian was speaking after the demolition of Barrow in the League Cup Third Round on Tuesday night. A trio of peripheral Blues have caught the CFC manager's eye and are now on the verge of starting versus Brighton. Which players are respectively on the gaffer's Premier League radar? Will any of the promising group make the XI on Saturday? What will the team and formation be? And which stars of the west London outfit will be omitted from the side should the indication become reality?

Chelsea thrash Barrow in Carabao Cup

A win against the Football League Two club was never really in doubt, even in Chelsea Football Club's peculiar current situation. While trouble, confusion and uncertainty continues to purvey off the pitch, in fairness things are actually beginning to click on the pitch.

Many people expected latest manager Enzo Maresca to clear out the CFC roster a bit, whilst tightening up in-game facets. Along with the Ex-Leicester City man making aspects easier to manage away from the field of play. To be candid, as an LCFC writer as well as Chels', and without seeking self-promotion, I did see this coming with Maresca. He is capable, meticulous and committed.

The Blues are climbing the top-flight table, conceivably with superior performances and organisation than under Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine also made strides at Stamford Bridge and beyond but Maresca seems plugged-in a degree or two more and very focused.

While division progress is made, the English capital side are doing well in other competitions too. They fairly comfortably qualified for the Europa Conference League without too much stress. Chelsea also put five passed Barrow to no tangible response in the EFL.

Blues entertain Brighton & Hove Albion with changes on the horizon

Therefore Maresca even has the reserves unified and firing on all cylinders. The second string unit impressed every spectator with a cohesive and devastating midweek effort. Some of the team were so outstanding that they are now firmly in the boss's EPL thoughts, which is plausibly the season's main focal point. The league certainly should be.

Following the Bluebirds victory, Maresca named a trio deserving of starts in the Prem. You can probably guess which Blues they are before reading the below quote. I imagine the system will be similar; who gets dropped is anyone's guess.

"I’m happy. Happy for Pedro [Neto], happy for Christo [Nkunku] and for Joao [Felix], for all of them. They all deserve to play from the start in the Premier League but they are not playing in this moment. But the way they take the chances when we give them minutes is fantastic. No matter if it’s five minutes, 45 minutes or 90 minutes, they are all ready and this is the most important thing."

- Enzo Maresca