Chelsea vs Benfica – Team News: Maresca forced to make serious changes for Champions League clash | OneFootball

Chelsea face Benfica at Stamford Bridge in just over an hour, and the teams are in! Enzo Maresca has been forced to make some interesting changes.

There are many players injured, even more fatigued, and Liverpool on the horizon in the Premier League this weekend. Yet Chelsea can’t afford to drop points here either – the Blues lost their first game and there will only be 6 left after this.

Robert Sanchez is in goal, with Malo Gusto in at right back for Reece James, who is rotated out with Liverpool in mind. Trevoh Chalobah is banned for Saturday’s game, so plays today with Benoit Badiashile, making his first start of the season.

In midfield, poor Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez are wheeled out once again. They both need a rest, but don’t get one today. Facundo Buonanotte makes his third start as a Chelsea player ahead of them.

Joao Pedro has been played every game recently, and is finally given a rest, with Tyrique George in his backup false 9 role up front. Out wide, Pedro Neto plays again, with Alejandro Garnacho playing his first Champions League match for us on the other side.

Here are the full team line-ups for Chelsea vs Benfica (kick off at 20:00 GMT)

CHELSEA:

The Chelsea team to face Benfica in the Champions League.

George to reprise backup striker role up front

We’d like to remind you all that Tyrique George is only at the club because Fulham couldn’t complete a deadline day deal to sign him permanently. It’s a good thing they couldn’t, as he’s effectively become our second choice striker while Liam Delap is out injured.

That doesn’t say much for Marc Guiu, who must be wishing he had just stayed on loan at Sunderland at this rate. Perhaps tonight he gets some minutes as a sub?