Pedro Neto could continue his new role at centre-forward when Chelsea host Southampton tonight in the Premier League.
The Blues are juggling a striker shortage with first-choice No9 Nicolas Jackson ruled out with a hamstring injury and backup striker Marc Guiu also injured in the game against West Ham earlier this month.
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Maresca had initially used Christopher Nkunku at centre-forward in the absence of that pair and even experimented with Cole Palmer as a false nine in the defeat to Brighton a fortnight ago.
However, neither formula worked and Maresca instead turned to Neto to lead the line in Saturday’s meeting with Aston Villa.
All three start again tonight and it could well be Neto again in the most advanced role through the middle.
“It could be a good option,” Maresca said, when asked whether the winger would keep his place for the visit of Saints. “We tried with Neto in days before the game and we saw he could do that. It was a positive one.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea are without centre-back Trevor Chalobah, who was forced off early in the loss at Villa and is set to miss the next two games.
Tosin Adarabioyo replaced Chalobah at Villa Park and comes into the XI, getting the nod over academy graduate Josh Acheampong.
Maresca has opted against using Reece James in midfield again, as he continues to be cautious with his captain’s minutes, and instead recalls Jadon Sancho further up the pitch.
Chelsea XI: Jorgensen, Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Enzo, Palmer, Nkunku, Sancho, Neto
Subs: Sanchez, James, Acheampong, Fofana, Samuels-Smith, Amougou, Dewsbury-Hall, George, Mheuka
Time and date: 8.15pm GMT on Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Venue: Stamford Bridge
TV channel and live stream: TNT Sports
