Pedro Neto is expected to continue in 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.
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.
While Chelsea’s dismal run of form continued with a 2-1 defeat, Neto’s performance was a notable bright spot, with the Portuguese creating Enzo Fernandez’s opening goal.
“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 will be 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 is likely to come into the XI, though academy graduate Josh Acheampong is another option.
Maresca must also decide whether to again use Reece James in midfield, but has been cautious with his captain’s minutes and could instead recall Jadon Sancho further up the pitch.
Chelsea predicted XI: Jorgensen; Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Sancho, Palmer, Nkunku; Neto
Injured: Jackson, Guiu, Chalobah, Lavia, Fofana, Madueke, Badiashile, Kellyman
Unavailable: Mudryk
Time and date: 8.15pm GMT on Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Venue: Stamford Bridge
TV channel and live stream: TNT Sports
