Chelsea center back crisis tests Maresca as plans hinge on Acheampong
Chelsea face a Friday night trip to West Ham that will test Enzo Maresca’s defensive plan.
Levi Colwill is injured and the club searches for a solution in house.
However Chelsea can lean on 19 year old Josh Acheampong for now.
Acheampong started well against Crystal Palace on opening weekend.
Tosin Adarabioyo carries a minor injury, complicating selection even more.
Adarabioyo could return for Friday night at West Ham.
There is a case to pair Acheampong with Trevoh Chalobah in a back three in possession.
Replacing Colwill’s line breaking passes will not be easy.
Therefore Maresca has options to nudge Chelsea through the pressure.
From Elland Road to Cobham I hear Bielsa in my head.
“Tempo is the breath of football,” a line I carry when watching Chelsea unfold.
West Ham v Chelsea, Friday 8pm (BST)
Manchester City v Tottenham, Saturday 12.30pm
Brentford v Aston Villa, Saturday 3pm
Burnley v Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
Bournemouth v Wolves, Saturday 3pm
TLDR
Colwill’s injury tests Chelsea defensive plan
Acheampong may get another chance at centre back
Maresca must improvise and trust internal options
Levi Colwill
Chelsea