Enzo Maresca should give ‘excellent’ Chelsea player just his second league start of the season vs Tottenham

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Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has some interesting decisions to make with his team selection this weekend against Tottenham.

Chelsea delivered arguably their best performance of the season so far during last weekend’s 3-0 home win in the Premier League over Aston Villa. However, Enzo Maresca surprised everyone by making seven changes in midweek for the league trip to Southampton.

Paul Merson thought Chelsea rotation’s against Southampton was “dangerous”, but the Blues still came away with an emphatic 5-1 victory and another three points.

Next, Maresca’s side play away at London rivals Spurs on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League.

• READ MORE: Chelsea and Tottenham fans are all saying the same thing about playing each other on Sunday

Benoit Badiashile should start against Tottenham

It’s been confirmed that Wesley Fofana, who usually starts at centre-back next to Levi Colwill, will be absent against Spurs because of an injury problem. So, how should the Blues line up in defence?

Chelsea defender Benoit Badiashile has only made three league appearances so far this season, starting just once.

Maresca should name the 23-year-old Frenchman in his starting line-up versus Spurs, though.

Badiashile has played 11 games across all competitions this campaign, and he’s barely put a foot wrong when he’s been called upon.

The centre-back’s only and only league start this season was in last month’s 2-1 away win at Leicester City. Frank Leboeuf raved about Chelsea defender Badiashile after his performance at the King Power Stadium. Similarly, Jason Cundy said Badiashile was “excellent” against Leicester.

Chelsea have strength in depth

It’s been great to see Fofana and Colwill establish themselves as Chelsea’s first-choice pairing in the heart of defence, but there’s still some real quality in reserve backing them up.

Badiashile deserves his opportunity in a big match at Spurs to contribute. It’s a game where his ball-playing qualities and passing range could shine through.

Here is a look at Chelsea’s previous 10 matches across all competitions and Badiashile’s involvement:

Chelsea internally believe Badiashile is improving as a player this season, so this would be a great challenge away at Spurs.