Predicted Chelsea XI vs Barrow: Joao Felix starts in 4-2-3-1
By Karan Saini
Center-back: Axel Disasi
Disasi, who shined last season and started the Carabao Cup final, has been deployed out of position at right-back this season in games against Bournemouth and West Ham United. This match should allow him to return to his natural center-back role and make an impact.
Left-back: Ben Chilwell
Initially out of favor, Chilwell was reportedly on the verge of leaving the club as Maresca indicated he didn’t fit into his tactical setup. However, with no move materializing, the England international is likely to make his first competitive appearance of the season.
Central Defensive Midfielder: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
Dewsbury-Hall has been a consistent presence in cup competitions, starting both legs of the Conference League qualifiers against Servette. He has struggled to break into the starting lineup ahead of Chelsea's other midfield options, but he is expected to start this cup match alongside Veiga, offering him a chance to prove his worth in the rotation.
Central Defensive Midfielder: Renato Veiga
Veiga has featured as a holding midfielder in conference league games and against Bournemouth in the league and has proven himself as a versatile option. He is likely to partner Dewsbury-Hall in midfield as Maresca opts to rest regular starters like Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo.
Central Attacking Midfielder: João Félix
Félix has primarily been used off the bench in league games, but he is expected to start in this attacking midfield role. The Portuguese international will be keen to impress and earn more consistent starting opportunities.
Left-wing: Mykhailo Mudryk
Mudryk’s chances in the Premier League have been limited due to the form of Jadon Sancho and Pedro Neto, but a cup match against lower-league opposition should give the Ukrainian winger a chance to shine and rebuild confidence.