Enzo Maresca should hand £12m Chelsea man his first start in Conference League tonight

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It remains to be seen how experimental Enzo Maresca is prepared to be as Chelsea get their European campaign underway.

The Blues are looking to secure qualification to the UEFA Conference League over two legs against Swiss side Servette, starting with the meeting at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca decided to not name any of the new signings in the starting side for the defeat to Manchester City last weekend, with it being an opportunity instead for the likes of Romeo Lavia to impress.

The Belgian wasn’t the only player to be making an appearance off the back of an extended lay-off due to injury, and this has seen Wesley Fofana left out of the squad entirely for tonight’s game.

While a number of the new additions are likely to make their first starts for the club tonight, one who should certainly be part of that list is Renato Veiga.

Enzo Maresca should start Renato Veiga in Conference League

The left-back was brought on off the bench last weekend, replacing Marc Cucurella who seemed to hobble off injured in the final few minutes.

Veiga has already proven he has the abilities to invert into midfield, something that has proven key for the full-backs in a Maresca system.

Reece James is one player who has been asked to play a new role which comes inside during pre-season, however the strengths of both him and Malo Gusto suggest there will be a preference in seeming them hold their width.

Cucurella late to pre-season

Cucurella didn’t take part in the tour of the United States due to his late participation in the European Championships, and therefore is one of the least experienced players of a Chelsea side under Maresca.

Therefore, starting Veiga will not be seen as too much of a risk, and hopefully be a platform to show that he can a more than good enough deputy for the Spaniard for the season to come.