“Might just be the best decision”, “Manager showing bravery” – Chelsea fans salute Maresca for picking surprise player in line-up vs Crystal Palace By Silas Sud
Chelsea supporters have shown great enthusiasm for Enzo Maresca’s bold decision to include young defender Josh Acheampong in the starting lineup for their upcoming match against Crystal Palace. The game is scheduled to take place on Saturday, December 4, at Selhurst Park. Robert Sanchez will be starting as the goalkeeper for Chelsea, while the defensive lineup includes Malo Gusto, Josh Acheampong, Levi Colwill, and Marc Cucurella.
In the midfield, Maresca has chosen Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, and Jadon Sancho to support the team, with Nicolas Jackson playing as the lone striker.
Josh Acheampong, an 18-year-old center-back, has been steadily gaining recognition. He made his initial debut for Chelsea last season and earned his first full start under Maresca during the UEFA Conference League match against Astana on December 12. Having recently extended his contract with the club until June 2029, Acheampong has already made three appearances this season, showcasing his potential as a rising star.
Fans have warmly welcomed Maresca’s decision to start Acheampong, especially given the recent underwhelming performances of other defenders, including Benoit Badiashile, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Axel Disasi. One supporter lauded Maresca’s choice, stating, “Acheampong over Tosin and Disasi might just be the best decision ever.” Another fan praised the manager’s courage in giving the young defender an opportunity, saying, “Finally, the manager showing bravery. I’d rather lose to an Acheampong mistake than a Disasi one.”
The anticipation for Acheampong’s involvement has sparked excitement among Chelsea fans, with many expressing their approval through comments like “Josh gets his start, LET’S GO!” The consensus among supporters is that Maresca’s willingness to trust in youth could pay dividends for the team.
However, despite the optimism surrounding Acheampong’s inclusion, Chelsea faces a tough challenge in their match against Crystal Palace. Former Liverpool player and football pundit Mark Lawrenson has predicted a 1-1 draw, pointing to Chelsea’s inconsistent performances following a strong start to the season.
Currently, Chelsea sits in fourth place in the Premier League, trailing leaders Liverpool by 10 points. Crystal Palace, on the other hand, is positioned 15th with 20 points. Lawrenson cautioned that Chelsea must quickly address their recent struggles, warning, “Things unravel quickly at Chelsea if the team cannot turn their form around.”
