TalkSPORT pundit Dean Saunders has pointed out a key issue Enzo Maresca faces as Chelsea prepares for Saturday’s match against Brighton.
Following a convincing 5-0 victory over Barrow in the Carabao Cup, Chelsea returns to Premier League play against an unbeaten Brighton side. Currently sitting fifth in the league with ten points from five matches, Maresca aims to secure his first league win at Stamford Bridge against the Seagulls.
Maresca’s selection dilemma
After making 11 changes for the Barrow match, several players performed notably well, yet many may not start against Brighton. Christopher Nkunku shone with a hat-trick, while Joao Felix and Pedro Neto also stood out.
With a wealth of talent at his disposal, Maresca has some tough choices ahead. Saunders noted a specific challenge for the manager: “Here’s your problem for the manager now, he’s got to leave Nkunku out on Saturday and play Jackson,” he told talkSPORT.
Given that Jackson sat out the Barrow game, he’s likely to return to the lineup after his man-of-the-match performance against West Ham. While it may seem unfair for Nkunku to move to the bench after such a stellar showing, it’s equally tough to drop Jackson.
This situation presents a welcome challenge for Maresca, with both strikers in excellent form. Chelsea is set for a potentially lengthy season, offering Nkunku more chances to start, but for now, he may need to embrace the role of a super sub and continue impressing to secure more playing time.