Chelseavs.Morecambe

The Blues have hit a rough patch of Premier League form and are winless in four games following last weekend's 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace, which left them fourth in the top-flight table.

Almost every single one of the Blues' starters from that Selhurst Park stalemate should be retained for Saturday's game, which Wesley Fofana (hamstring), Omari Kellyman (hamstring), Mykhaylo Mudryk (suspended), Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (unspecified) and Benoit Badiashile (thigh) will all be unavailable for.

Going from back to front, Filip Jorgensen can expect to take Robert Sanchez's place in between the posts, and the only player who might keep his spot from the showdown with Palace is teenage defender Josh Acheampong.

The 18-year-old is an option both at right-back and centre-back but may continue in the middle if Maresca wants to see Reece James in action, but it would be a surprise to see the England international complete the full 90.

On the other side, the exiled Ben Chilwell should come into contention for his first start of the season, as Renato Veiga - who can also do a job at left-back - might be required in midfield alongside Carney Chukwuemeka;

Chukwuemeka is a slight doubt due to illness but should recover in time for Saturday, while the intense transfer speculation surrounding Cesare Casadei makes him uncertain for the visit of the Shrimps too.

Further up the field, a new-look attacking setup should comprise Marc Guiu, Christopher Nkunku, Noni Madueke and Joao Felix, with a possible cameo later on for Deivid Washington.

Chelsea possible starting lineup:

Jorgensen; James, Acheampong, Adarabioyo, Chilwell; Veiga, Chukwuemeka; Madueke, Nkunku, Felix; Guiu

Written by

Ben Knapton