Enzo Maresca has weighed in on possible rotation ahead of Chelsea's visit to Newcastle United.
Enzo Maresca has indicated that he is yet to decide his Chelsea team for the early Sunday Premier League kick-off away at Newcastle United.
The Blues travel to St James’ Park this weekend, aiming to avoid slipping out of the coveted top-five spots with Champions League football on the line.
Chelsea could fall outside the automatic Champions League qualification spots if they lose on Tyneside and Nottingham Forest beat relegated Leicester City.
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Recognising the possibility, Maresca has dubbed the Blues’ next three games as “three finals” ahead of Sunday’s visit to face Eddie Howe’s team.
Maresca on Chelsea team against Newcastle
While Maresca stressed the importance of the lunchtime encounter, the Italian did not reveal if he would utilise the same starting XI that featured in the win over Liverpool.
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“We will see,” said Maresca on his lineup choices. “The first result against Djurgarden gave us the chance to rotate and protect players for the second leg. But we still have today and Saturday to prepare the game, then we will see.
“It’s a 12pm kick-off and we played on Thursday night, so it’s not the ideal situation, but we need to play and we need to adapt immediately, prepare for the game in the best way, and hopefully continue our good moment.
“We have two days and the players need to be focused on the Newcastle game because it’s the next one. For us, we have to think like it’s the last game of the season, give everything, and then we see at the end [of the game].”
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Subsequently, Maresca acknowledged the significance of facing a direct rival for Champions League qualification and believes a win would be a major step forward.
Chelsea have built momentum with three consecutive league victories and the head coach is confident they can continue this run against Newcastle.
What’s next for Chelsea?
The Blues face Manchester United and Forest after Sunday’s trip to Tyneside.
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