Predicted XI: Palmer and Enzo out; Gittens and Estevao in as Rosenior aims for first Champions League win | OneFootball

Chelsea taken on Pafos tonight in the Champions League, and it’s a very interesting selection for Liam Rosenior to make.

It’s sandwiched between vital Premier League games, and Pafos are one of the weaker teams we’ll play. Yet it’s crucial to get 3 points here to ensure we qualify. Slipping up against Qarabag in the Autumn has already cost us. So with that in mind, and various illness and injury concerns, who will the manager pick?

Rosenior to go as strong as he can for Champions League bow

Robert Sanchez in action for Chelsea. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

In goal it will be Robert Sanchez, that’s for sure. Rosenior reported that Malo Gusto was able to return to training this week, so given James needs a rest and Gusto needs minutes, we think the Frenchman starts here.

Centrally it’s a toss up – Wesley Fofana only came on as a sub at the weekend, so Rosenior could pick him and Trevoh Chalobah to give us a really strong base. But don’t be surprised to see Benoit Badiashile in there either.

At left back, Jorrel Hato has been trusted by the coach so far and should get a chance to continue impressing.

In midfield, Enzo Fernandez’s illness means he’s likely out. He could do with a rest anyway. Andrey Santos started on the bench at the weekend so he’ll come back in here, with Moises Caicedo also starting but hopefully only playing 45 minutes to an hour.

Ahead of them, Joao Pedro should play in the hole, with Jamie Gittens on the left and Estevao on the right. Liam Delap will lead the line. Cole Palmer gets a break to rest for the weekend’s game against Crystal Palace.

In other news…

Chelsea’s big plan for this window was to sign a defender – and while there were some promising signs early on, things are stalling a little now.

Rosenior also spoke about being a young manager – he says he’s the right man for the job, regardless of his age. We will find out soon enough.