Chelsea are nearing a place in the UEFA Conference League group stage following a 2-0 win over Servette at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night. This victory marks Enzo Maresca’s first competitive win as Chelsea’s manager and gives his team an advantage going into the second leg next week.
Though Chelsea’s performance was somewhat disjointed, their rotated squad proved stronger than their Swiss opponents. Noni Madueke and Christopher Nkunku scored in the second half, and Maresca made crucial substitutions, bringing on Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, and Malo Gusto to secure the result.
Maresca is managing player fitness and readiness after a busy international summer and is also focusing on upcoming matches. Following a loss to Manchester City on the season’s opening day, Chelsea will next face Wolves.
Chelsea’s last victory at Molineux was five years ago, and they have won only once in six seasons since Wolves returned to the Premier League in 2018. Maresca is aiming to improve results with the upcoming trip to Servette and a match against Crystal Palace.
Cole Palmer’s fitness is a concern after a knock in the final moments of the Servette game. Maresca assured that Palmer, recently named PFA Young Player of the Year, was assessed and appears to be fine, with hopes he will be available for Sunday’s match.
Axel Disasi made his first start since April, having recovered from an injury. He played right-back but moved to center-back when Chelsea had possession. This role had previously been filled by Reece James, who is suspended for league games due to a suspension carried over from last season.
Reece James could have played against Servette but is dealing with a fitness issue from training. Although listed in the UEFA pre-match squad, he was not fit to participate.
Joao Felix, who joined Chelsea on a permanent transfer earlier in the week, will be available for selection against Wolves. He was not registered in time for the Servette game but is expected to be part of the squad for Sunday. Felix may start on the bench, with Maresca considering other senior players. Pedro Neto, hoping to make an impact against his former team, may also have to wait for his chance as he continues to regain match fitness.
