Journalist thinks ‘last choice’ Chelsea player will actually start tonight in the Conference League vs Gent

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Chelsea will be making plenty of changes to their starting side when they get their European campaign properly underway tonight against Gent.

There is no doubt an expectation on Enzo Maresca to deliver the Conference League as a trophy won in his first season at Stamford Bridge, although he will have to do some of it without some of his top players available.

Cole Palmer, Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana will all be unavailable for selection for the group stages of the competition, as their minutes are managed in the early portion of the season.

This could allow opportunities for a number of youngsters to feature, with Kiano Dyer being tipped for minutes at some stage in this tournament.

There is also a chance for some of those who have been far and away on the sidelines to come in and prove a point to Maresca that they should be under consideration for more minutes.

Axel Disasi tipped to start for Chelsea in Conference League

One of those is Axel Disasi, who has just two Premier League appearances of any capacity under his belt this season.

It was reported that the Frenchman is the last choice option to play centre-back this season, perhaps explaining why his only league start came at right-back.

However, Nizaar Kinsella believes after watching the Blues train in the build up to tonight’s game that Disasi will begin the game in that position again.

He said: “Watched Chelsea training earlier. No Josh Acheampong so suspect Disasi will play at right back. Tyrique George Kiano Dyer were involved.”

Josh Acheampong was pushing for a start

There had been hope that Acheampong could be involved after he was not present to feature for the academy side earlier this week.

Disasi’s last outing at full-back did not go to plan, with him looking shaky out wide against Bournemouth despite the clean sheet and victory.

It feels as if time is running out for the France international at Stamford Bridge, however some dominant performances in the Conference League would see him prove a point to his boss that he is a useful asset to have.