The five questions Enzo Maresca has got to answer against Inter Milan

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The start of the new Premier League 2024/25 season is now just around the corner, but Chelsea go into it with so many question marks about the squad.

Enzo Maresca is the new Blues head coach working with the group and preparing them for the upcoming campaign.

It’s been claimed by BBC Sport that Chelsea’s players are optimistic about life under Maresca despite mixed results in pre-season so far. They managed one win, one draw and three defeats during their pre-season tour of the United States this summer.

Maresca’s side play their final friendly this Sunday against Inter Milan at Stamford Bridge. Afterwards, their Premier League season begins seven days later at home to defending champions Manchester City, who recently beat them 4-2 in the US.

It would make sense for Chelsea to field a starting XI in the final friendly match that’s close to what will play against Man City on the opening day. There’s a lot of tactical decisions to make, though.

Here is five questions that Maresca has got to try answer in the weekend’s friendly versus Inter…

• READ MORE: Chelsea vs Inter Milan: Everything you need to know about the Blues’ last pre-season friendly

Who’s the starting goalkeeper?

It’s a common phrase that successful teams always build from the back, so the fact that supporters are still guessing the club’s first-choice goalkeeper this close to the new season is alarming.

Robert Sanchez and new signing Filip Jorgensen have been battling it out for the No 1 position in pre-season. However, there’s uncertainty about who takes the gloves for the Man City opener, so hopefully a decision is made before playing Inter.

Jorgensen played the full 90 minutes in Chelsea’s final match of the tour against Real Madrid, so perhaps that’s an indication he’ll get the nod. The fact he’s much stronger with the ball at his feet is definitely an important factor for Maresca to consider.

• READ MORE: Who is Filip Jorgensen? Chelsea’s summer signing who suits Enzo Maresca’s style of play perfectly

Can Chelsea defend deeper?

There were clear issues at the back for the Blues during pre-season. In fairness, that’s what these warm-up matches are for to iron out mistakes and in this case allow the squad to work under new management.

Chelsea conceded 12 goals in their five games during the US tour this summer, so it would nice to sign off with a clean sheet against Inter to restore some confidence before the daunting Man City clash.

Speaking via Football.London after a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid earlier this week, Maresca explained Chelsea’s defensive line is too high, which is a habit the players have picked up from last year under Mauricio Pochettino.

It could take some time for the defence, regardless of the personnel, to crack the way Maresca wants to play. Let’s see if more days on the training pitch has been any help in this specific department.

How fit are Cole Palmer and Marc Cucurella?

Cole Palmer and Marc Cucurella, who had memorable Euro 2024 tournaments for different reasons, haven’t played a minute yet for Chelsea in pre-season. They both had extended breaks and didn’t join up with the squad in the US.

Cucurella confirmed he was back training at Cobham last week. The left-back’s fitness is so important because he’s someone you may want starting against Man City, but everyone needs to learn if that’s possible.

Similarly, Palmer confirmed he’s back training at Chelsea this week. It’s obvious that the club’s Player of the Year from last season gets into any Blues starting XI, but is the attacker match fit?

Maresca has said he’s “not sure” if Palmer and Cucurella will be available against Inter, as quoted by Chelsea’s official website. Everyone will be eager to find out just how ready the duo are ahead of the new campaign.

What’s the starting midfield?

It’s been interesting to see all the different combinations in the midfield this summer, but Maresca needs to work out his strongest partnership that he’s confident starting the season with.

Based off pre-season, one guess is that a midfield trio of Romeo Lavia, Enzo Fernandez and Christopher Nkunku is most likely to start. Whoever the midfield is, they could definitely do with starting against Inter to continue working on the system.

Of course, Moises Caicedo and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall are two more central midfielders well in with a shout of playing as well.

Is there real trust in Marc Guiu?

Marc Guiu, who’s just 18, was definitely one of the bright sparks of pre-season with some eye-catching displays.

The striker only joined from Barcelona in the summer in a £5m deal (BBC), but he’s settled in really nicely to quickly win over the fanbase.

During a recent interview with The Daily Mail, Guiu insisted he’s ready to play in the Premier League. However, does Maresca truly believe that?

It’s one thing playing the new teenage forward in pre-season matches, but will Maresca be open to using him in the Premier League. If he leads the line against Inter, it will very much look the way.