“Might just be the best decision”, “Manager showing bravery” - Chelsea fans salute Maresca for picking surprise player in line-up vs Crystal Palace

Chelsea fans on X have praised Enzo Maresca after he included Josh Acheampong in the starting XI to face Crystal Palace. The two sides are set to square off in the Premier League at Selhurst Park later today (Saturday, December 4).

Robert Sanchez starts in goal for Chelsea. Malo Gusto, Josh Acheampong, Levi Colwill, and Marc Cucurella make up the defense. The midfield comprises of Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, and Jadon Sancho. Nicolas Jackson is the lone forward to complete the starting XI.

Acheampong made his debut for the Blues last season before making his full debut under Enzo Maresca against Astana on December 12 in the UEFA Conference League. The 18-year-old centre-back recently extended his contract until June 2029 and has made three appearances across competitions this season.

One Chelsea fan reacted positively to Acheampong's inclusion, given Benoit Badiashile, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Axel Disasi's struggles in recent weeks:

"Acheampong over Tosin and Dasisi might just be the best decision ever"

Another fan tweeted:

"Wow... Enzo marasca starting acheampong? That is a lot of balls from him . We cried for Nkuku and Felix to start, they did last week , they failed woefully, we cried for Acheampong too, he is starting today, I hope he graps this chances with both hands."

Other fans reacted below:

"Acheampong startssss woww," one fan commented.

"No Disasi, No Badiashille. Acheampong What’s stopping this lineup from thrashing Crystal palace," one fan questioned.

"Josh gets his start, LETS GO!" another added.

"Finally the manager showing bravery. I'd rather lose to a Acheampong mistake than a Disasi one," another admitted.

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"This is a testing time for Enzo Maresca" - Mark Lawrenson makes bold prediction for Crystal Palace vs Chelsea

Former Liverpool star Mark Lawrenson has backed Crystal Palace to hold Chelsea to a draw in their upcoming Premier League fixture later today.

At one point in December, the Blues were in top form and appeared to be Liverpool's biggest threat for the Premier League title. However, they have struggled as of late, drawing to Everton (0-0) before losing against Fulham (2-1) and Ipswich (2-0).

Maresca and Co. are currently fourth in the league table with 35 points from 19 games, 10 points behind leaders Liverpool - who also have a game in hand. Meanwhile, Palace are in 15th place with 20 points.

Lawrenson stated (via Paddy Power News):

"I thought Chelsea would fall off and I had Ipswich to beat them last time out so I think this little dip has been coming for a while. Crystal Palace are just on a little uptick and they won last time and I do fancy them to get something out of this at Selhurst Park. This is a testing time for Enzo Maresca and things unravel quickly at Chelsea if you’re not careful."

Final Prediction: 1-1