Enzo Maresca should now bring ‘unlucky’ Chelsea player back into starting XI after draw vs Crystal Palace

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Chelsea have already experienced all three results in the opening trio of games in the Premier League this season.

The Blues were held 1-1 at Stamford Bridge yesterday by Crystal Palace, despite Nicolas Jackson silencing some doubters in front of goal again.

Enzo Maresca named a similar starting side to the one who thumped Wolves in the league last week, with Pedro Neto replacing Mykhailo Mudryk in the only change.

Despite a flurry of late changes, Chelsea were unable to find a winning goal late on that would have seen them up by the Champions League places.

The nature of the starting side meant there was again no place in the starting squad for Christopher Nkunku, despite the fact he had been one of the standout performers of the pre-season campaign of the United States.

Maresca should recall Christopher Nkunku for Chelsea

The Frenchman has also been in target in both games of the Conference League so far this season, although appearances in the league have been harder to come by.

Nkunku will no doubt have been worried when Joao Felix’s signing was announced, with the two playing some of their best football in the same role.

After starting the first game of the season, it is now time for Maresca to look to bring the attacker back into his plans after the international break is completed.

He is yet to really kick on at Chelsea due to some poor injury luck since joining in 2023, with Cole Palmer describing him as ‘unlucky’.

Nkunku able to play a number of positions

The position the boss should look to start the Frenchman in is an interesting debate, with him certainly able to do a role anywhere across the frontline.

Palmer has shown that he plays his best football behind the striker, opening up the debate that he could well play in the number nine role.

Jackson has scored in his last two appearances, but other than youngster Marc Guiu, there is no other real option to play up front.

Nkunku’s eye for goal certainly suggests he can do a job there if selected.