Enzo Maresca can unleash Chelsea partnership vs Brentford amid Alejandro Garnacho decision

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is facing a number of team selection dilemmas for his side's return to Premier League action against Brentford. The Blues headed into September's international break following a 2-0 win over Fulham with a fourth consecutive London derby now on the horizon.

Crystal Palace were the visitors to Stamford Bridge on the opening day with that game finishing goalless. Chelsea got their first Premier League win of the season five days later courtesy of a thumping 5-1 win away at West Ham United.

Just moments before kick-off, Maresca lost Cole Palmer to injury which saw Estevao Willian come into the XI on the right. Pedro Neto, who played on that flank the previous week, then moved over to the opposite flank.

With Liam Delap and Joao Pedro also included, it was unclear what Maresca's initial plans were and before his new tactical set up became completely clear, Delap joined Palmer in the treatment room by picking up an injury against Fulham. This time it was Tyrique George that was introduced with Palmer still absent.

Maresca will be hoping to have his talisman back for the trip to Brentford this Saturday and a number of changes could be made if he does. The first of those will likely see Estevao named on the bench despite his record-breaking goal for Brazil over the two-week domestic pause.

Neto would then return to his favoured side with new signing Alejandro Garnacho coming in on the left while Pedro remains up top.

In defence, Maresca has more frequently selected Malo Gusto over club captain Reece James but he showed on England duty what he can do in that role with his delightful cross headed home by Declan Rice in their 2-0 win over Andorra.

Given his injury issues, attempts have been made to use him in a less explosive role which has seen him play in midfield. Under former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, James will likely only be playing in one position for his national team.

Neto also grabbed an assist in his 45 minutes on the pitch for Portugal's 5-0 win over Armenia in a World Cup qualifier with his perfect cross from the right volleyed home by Cristiano Ronaldo.

With both James and Neto making contributions over the international break in their preferred roles, it would certainly make sense for both to be deployed there at the Gtech Community Stadium.

That was the case for the Palace game but that set up on the right has not been seen since with injury issues elsewhere playing a role in that. If Palmer is fit enough to start and Maresca decides to offer Garnacho his debut from the off, the James and Neto partnership could well be unleashed again.

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