There is one clear reason why Enzo Maresca must start Pedro Neto for Chelsea against Fulham

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Chelsea will be looking to return to winning ways this afternoon when they welcome local rivals Fulham to Stamford Bridge.

The Blues had been on a winning run of eight games in all competitions under Enzo Maresca before they were halted in their tracks by Everton last time out.

The boss had to get a bit creative with his team selection for the trip to Goodison Park, with Malo Gusto starting at left-back and Axel Disasi on the right.

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The usual headache over who starts in the wide areas for the Blues saw the Italian leave Noni Madueke out of his starting side last time out, in favour of Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho.

Chelsea need Pedro Neto to start to deal with Antonee Robinson

The Portuguese international was coming back into the side after serving a suspension for picking up too many yellow cards this season.

However, his work-rate against the Toffees was crucial, especially when it came to protecting Disasi from the threat of the dangerous Iliman Ndiaye. Jason Cundy described Neto’s performance as ‘brilliant’.

Fulham’s biggest threat in this afternoon’s fixture is going to be down the same side, however this time from left-back Antonee Robinson.

The American has six assists so far this season, and has created 20 chances in the Premier League.

He has also clocked a high speed of 35.1kph this season, a total very few in the top flight can match.

Is Pedro Neto Chelsea’s fastest player?

One of those is Neto though. He has been recorded at 35.4kph this season, a figure higher than any other Chelsea player including Mykhailo Mudryk.

According to SpeedSBD, Madueke has only reached a top speed of 28.7, and would therefore find it far more difficult to track back with Robinson, particularly on the fast break.

Leaving Madueke out of the side will take out a bit of their direct attacking threat. The England international has five goals and three assists to his name in the Premier League this season.

Chelsea have more than enough attacking talent to win the game though, and should also be taking into account their defensive duties against a dangerous opponent.

For this reason, Neto is going to be crucial at Stamford Bridge this afternoon.