What, if anything, does Enzo Maresca's Chelsea starting lineup for the Inter Milan friendly tell us ahead of playing Manchester City in the first competitive fixture of 2024/25? This is the Blues' final preseason practice match before the Premier League opener against the Citizens. How many minutes each member of the XI receives, performances and which substitutes are used to varying degrees informs the CFC fan base of some of what is to come as the campaign unravels. Not to mention which stars are missing from the matchday squad. So, let's get down to it!
Chelsea starting lineup for non-competitive Inter Milan contest
'keeper
OK, wasting no time at all, let's see who began between the sticks for the Blues. It has been reported that Robert Sanchez will be Maresca's No.1 goalkeeper to begin with. This is in spite of the west London outfit signing Swedish-Danish stopper Filip Jorgensen.
And the Italian did indeed hand Sanchez the role of starter. That decision from the former Leicester City man certainly implies that the Spaniard will be in place against Man City on Sunday, August 18 when the EPL gets underway. I am, however, unsure that the ex-Brighton & Hove Albion player has the capabilities to be able to fix himself to that spot for a club such as CFC.
The defence
Next up, we look at the hybrid back four at Stamford Bridge. Unfortunately, and somewhat predictably, full back Reece James has suffered another recurrence of his hamstring hell. The Chels' club captain is neither in the team nor on the bench.
While the injury is described as "minor", this run of successive issues is a massive problem for the Blues and their defensive star. Although, the England international wouldn't have played versus Pep Guardiola's men, Wolverhampton Wanderers or Crystal Palace anyway due to suspension.
Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill could well find themselves partnering at centre back again, with the reintroduction of Marc Cucurella at left back. Malo Gusto is surely now nailed on for the right back spot.
The midfield
Again, the fact that Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall are included as a trio bodes well for their probable involvement vs City. Will Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke respectively start again considering Raheem Sterling, Christopher Nkunku and Cole Palmer are all available once more?
The Chelsea attack
Marc Guiu must be delighted to have so much faith ahead of the season kicking off. But now that Nicolas Jackson's absence has ended, the Spanish forward is unlikely to begin vs MCFC.