"That attack should be illegal in conference league lmao" - Fans react as Chelsea name XI to face Panathinaikos
Chelsea fans have reacted to coach Enzo Maresca naming a changed starting XI for their UEFA Europa Conference League game against Panathinaikos on October 24. The Blues are keen to get more points on the board after a dominant win over Belgian outfit Gent in their opening game in the competition.
The Blues succumbed to a narrow 2-1 defeat away from home against Liverpool at the weekend, only their second loss in the Premier League this season. Much was made of their summer business, but it has afforded Maresca the opportunity to call on an entirely different XI for the Panathinaikos game.
Suspended for the Liverpool game, Marc Cucurella features for the first time in the Conference League this season, while Filip Jorgensen returns between the sticks. Axel Disasi also features in the XI for Chelsea alongside Enzo Fernandez, who started on the bench at the weekend.
Fans of the club were left excited at the manager's selection for the game, and they shared their excitement on X.
"That attack should be illegal in conference league lmao."
See more reactions from fans below;
A fan was left in awe after seeing the names on the team sheet.
"WHAT A TEAM", they wrote.
Another fan predicted a win on the back of the coach's selection.
"Expecting a huge win from the Blues today", they posted.
A fan expressed surprise at the quality of the club's B-team.
"can’t get over the fact this is our B team", they wrote.
Another fan asked for a big win to get over the defeat to Liverpool.
"need a big win to heal me of that last defeat", they posted
Maresca named a strong frontline for the game, including the quartet of Christopher Nkunku, Joao Felix, Pedro Neto, and Mykhailo Mudryk. The Italian tactician will be keen for his side to return to winning ways following their defeat at Liverpool.
Teenage duo named in Chelsea squad for Panathinaikos tie
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has named youngsters Samuel Rak-Sakyi and Shumaira Mheuka in his squad for the Panathinaikos game. Both youngsters have featured in the academy this season and are set for a first taste of first-team action.
England U-19 international Mheuka turned 17 earlier this week and has featured and scored for the Chelsea U-21s this season. The highly-rated striker is an option for the side off the bench in the absence of Nicolas Jackson, who has been rested for the tie.
Midfielder Rak-Sakyi is a defensive midfielder who has been with the club since the age of eight. The 19-year-old has been named on the bench in the absences of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, both of whom are being rested.
The pair of 18-year-old first-team regulars Tyrique George and Marc Guiu have also been named on the bench for the Blues.