Chelsea Predicted XI vs Copenhagen in Conference League as Enzo Maresca makes risky Cole Palmer decision

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Enzo Maresca will need to weigh up how much rotation he risks when Chelsea return to European football this week.

The Blues are back in Conference League action with a trip to Denmark as they take on Copenhagen in the Round of 16.

Obviously every Premier League game is crucial for Maresca’s side in the final few mo the of the season, as they push towards Champions League qualification for next season.

The manager has already given hints over some of the players who will feature. He promised more minutes were coming for Tyrique George after his impressive cameo against Southampton off the bench

The Chelsea Chronicle have predicted the side Maresca will name for the first leg, including whether he will risk playing without Cole Palmer.

Chelsea Predicted XI vs Copenhagen

Robert Sanchez

After Maresca named Filip Jorgensen his Premier League goalkeeper for the foreseeable future, Robert Sanchez is going to be forced to earn his minutes in the Conference League for now, starting with Thursday.

Malo Gusto

It is likely Reece James is not risked as he continues his recovery to full fitness. Therefore, Malo Gusto will continue in the right-back position, one usually filled by Axel Disasi in this competition so far.

Josh Acheampong

Josh Acheampong has had to wait patiently for his minutes ever since he signed a new contract and was promoted to the first team permanently. However, the game against Copenhagen provides him the perfect chance to start.

Tosin Adarabioyo

Seen as one of the big leaders in the dressing room, Tosin Adarabioyo will provide some much-needed leadership to keep Chelsea on task as they look to win a game they are big favourites for.

Marc Cucurella

The departure of Renato Veiga has left a void on the left of defence from the side who featured in the group stages, and Marc Cucurella will be looking to add to his one goal in two group games.

Moises Caicedo

Having not featured at all in the group stages, Moises Caicedo will make his first Conference League appearance on Thursday. There is an argument Caicedo should be rested against Leicester due to being one yellow card away from suspension.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall

Opportunities have been few and far between for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall since he joined Chelsea over the summer, however European football has provided him chances for minutes. This will continue on Thursday, giving Enzo Fernandez a much-deserved rest.

Christopher Nkunku

Ahead of the midfield two, Christopher Nkunku will get the chance to play in what is his favoured position. The Conference League has been the Frenchman’s saving grace in what has otherwise been an underwhelming campaign.

This will see Palmer left on the bench, with the timing coming kindly based on his poor run in front of goal.

Tyrique George

After an impressive set of cameos off the bench, Tyrique George will be handed his biggest start in a Chelsea shirt in Denmark. Wingers have needed to provide more goals for Chelsea, and George is still waiting to open his first team account.

Jadon Sancho

On the opposite wing, Jadon Sancho will be looking to refind some of his early season form. Sancho has come in for criticism for his recent displays.

Pedro Neto

The biggest success story of the last two Chelsea games has been Pedro Neto playing in the striker position. He has one goal and two assists in his two starts up front, and will start there on Thursday.