Chelsea’s Maresca Considers Benching Palmer, Deploying Fernandez Further Forward

Chelsea face a critical match against Fulham as they aim to secure a top-5 Premier League finish and Champions League qualification. Manager Enzo Maresca may make a bold tactical shift by dropping out-of-form Cole Palmer and moving Enzo Fernandez into a more advanced midfield role.

Palmer has struggled recently, going 15 matches without scoring after a stellar start to the season. Meanwhile, Fernandez has impressed with his creativity and goal contributions from deeper positions. Maresca could look to shake things up by unleashing Fernandez further forward behind the striker.

The Argentine midfielder ranks among the Premier League’s top creators and has already played as a number 10 on occasion this season. His technical skills and work rate could provide Chelsea a different dimension in attack while allowing Palmer time to regain form as an impact substitute.

With Romeo Lavia back from injury to partner Moises Caicedo in holding midfield, Maresca has options to experiment. Pushing Fernandez into the space Palmer typically occupies could compact Chelsea’s midfield while maintaining creativity. It’s a risky but intriguing tactical possibility as the Blues chase European qualification.