Pedro Neto is a dilemma for Ajax. Ideally, I would start him, as he adds maturity to a young attack. However, he played twice for Portugal and started against Forest despite being a doubt. He should probably be on the bench, and enter only if struggling at HT

Robert Sanchez has continued his steady improvement since the Club World Cup. If not for the Old Trafford red card, I think he’d be getting more credit for his start to the season. He has been solid between the posts.

I will be on BBC Radio 5 Live at 6:20 tomorrow morning to preview Nottingham Forest v Chelsea. Join us if you can!

Benoit Badiashile out until December. This is really gutting, just as a starting CB combination was coming together. Injuries are a real limiter this season.

Always found it curious that people remember the Stamford Bridge draw against Ajax more fondly. The victory at the Amsterdam Arena was a far more impressive result, and generated last-minute limbs.

Worth noting that Reece James has not missed a Chelsea game through injury in 2025. This is a massive step forward, and allows me to hope for a similar outcome with Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana. Remember the club revamped the Medical Department in 2024.

Looking forward to hearing about the availability of Tosin and Andrey Santos for Nottingham Forest. Both should hopefully be back, and would add crucial depth for Maresca ahead of 7 games in 3 weeks. This season will be a squad game more than ever with our volume of fixtures.

Estêvão is the best example of why Chelsea discourse around money spent is futile. The £30m fee agreed in 2024 has been counted by pundits for 18 months, yet he only joined this summer - and only now we’re seeing how good that investment was. Money spent for long-term success.

Marc Cucurella is the perfect illustration of why we shouldn’t write off any of the new players so early. He looked lost in his first 12 months, yet with time he transformed into one of the best LBs in the world. Signings sometimes need time to adapt.

How would we feel about this team against Liverpool?

Good to see that Enzo Maresca will be judged over the entire season. I am glad the club are beyond sacking coaches mid-season whenever we have the smallest hint of bad form.

Andrey Santos was really solid last night. He looked bright in midfield, and was dominant both aerially and on the ball. I would like to see him start alongside Moises Caicedo against Brighton.

I hope Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer and João Pedro don’t even travel to Lincoln. Not worth risking their long-term fitness over a Carabao Cup 3rd Round tie.

If Enzo plays, I want to see him deeper in the pivot with a full-back overlapping. He needs touches of the ball, and the chance to show his world-class passing range from deep.

How would we feel about this lineup against United?

No shame in losing away to Bayern. In the end, it was three individual mistakes, combined with the individual quality of Kane and Olise, that decided the game. Our lack of experience at this level showed as well.

I think Cole Palmer will hit a new level in the Champions League. European teams haven’t seen him before and he’ll have more freedom to work his magic in the more open games. His best performances will be in this competition.

Enzo Maresca has admitted that João Pedro is not best equipped to be the main striker against a low block. On that basis, I want Marc Guiu to be involved more in the match-day squad in the next few games. He is our only proper nine, and we need to have him as a viable option.

Chelsea have beaten Brentford (a) just once since they were promoted to the Premier League four years ago. If we want to be title challengers, these are the sort of games that need to become reliable three-pointers.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Andrey Santos gets his first PL start against Brentford. It looks like Cole Palmer won’t be ready, and I think Andrey will play in the pivot with Enzo further forward. Massive opportunity for him to make a statement.

Imagine saying publicly that your brand new player signed for a record loan fee has no chance of staying at the club less than a week after signing. Nasty work from Uli Hoeness.

Assists for Pedro Neto and Reece James in their respective games today. Add that to goals for Marc Cucurella, Estêvão, and Geovany Quenda. Chelsea players are dominating this international break.

Estêvão scored for Brazil overnight against Chile and won MOTM. 🇧🇷 He is the youngest player to score a competitive goal for Brazil since Pelé. Unbelievably special talent.

Reminded that Brentford is just three days before Bayern away. Might be the ideal time for some of Hato, Essugo, Santos to get their full debuts.

Chelsea have officially released their third kit. It is an absolute gem, love the retro design, especially without a sponsor. You can get yours: chelsea-megastore.sjv.io/K03DRx #AD

NEW BLOG: My expectations for Chelsea this Premier League season, ahead of today’s opener. Let me know what you think in the comments. Link: tomoverend.wordpress.com/2025/08/17/2...

If you want to beat me at Fantasy PL, join my league: Code: ow2j1s Link: fantasy.premierleague.com/leagues/auto...

Chelsea have released a limited-edition shirt to commemorate the club’s 120th anniversary. There are only 1,905 available, and each is uniquely numbered and comes in a presentation box. You can buy yours: chelsea-megastore.sjv.io/9LdJBQ #AD

Chelsea are not favourites on Sunday. There is not a single person that thinks that we can beat PSG playing like this. All I know is that we've produced some of our best performances when things looked darkest and no one gave us a chance.

NEW BLOG: I analyse the key selection questions for Enzo Maresca ahead of our high-stakes season finale with Europe's top table in sight. Any support or feedback appreciated 💙 Link: tomoverend.wordpress.com/2025/05/15/t...

NEW BLOG: This opinion piece sets out my position on Enzo Maresca and gives my opinion on the club’s deeper issues — from years of instability and short-term business to the urgent need for a lasting footballing identity. Feedback always appreciated Link: tomoverend.wordpress.com/2025/04/19/o...

NEW BLOG POST: My report and initial thoughts on the draw to Ipswich. This was a big blow to our Champions League hopes. Link: tomoverend.wordpress.com/2025/04/13/s...

NEW BLOG: Some thoughts after our impressive first leg victory against Legia Warsaw. This post looks at implications for upcoming games, and the excellence of Noni, George and Acheampong. Support and feedback always appreciated. Link: tomoverend.wordpress.com/2025/04/10/w...

New Blog Post: My opinion on a frustrating draw at Brentford after controversial squad rotation from Maresca. This post analyses the game, fan reaction to the move, and why the gamble ended up inconclusive. Any support/feedback always appreciated. tomoverend.wordpress.com/2025/04/06/d...

New Blog: Chelsea are constructing more than just a platform for Champions League through their fine home form. They are starting to build connection with our fanbase. Any Support/Feedback always appreciated. Link: t.co/SGzjOfY932

MERRY CHRISTMAS Wishing everybody a very brilliant Christmas and Festive Period 💙 Hoping your dreams have come true 🎄

Not commenting on the rumour going round surrounding a Chelsea player until an official statement is released.

Lineup thoughts: • Inclusion of Tosin implies Gusto inverting or Cucu in attacking midfield. • Enzo very likely to play in half space. • Brilliant to see THREE Academy players on the bench. • Lacking usual depth - need the starters to pull clear early Are you happy?

Chelsea Lineup Prediction - Brentford (h) Would you be happy with this?

I appreciate everything Gareth Southgate has done for the England National Team. However, knighting him is rewarding failure as we have not won any honours. England need to stop celebrating 2nd, 3rd, 4th placed finishes if we want to end 58 years of hurt.

Tottenham losing to Rangers would be seriously embarrassing. I love Scottish football, but it is far behind the top of the Premier League. There is no excuse for Ange tonight.

Half Time Thoughts: • Extremely comfortable • Rak-Sakyi looking great in pivot • Acheampong feels at home in defence • Pedro Neto utterly dominant • Brilliant to see Guiu score • KDH needs to do so much more • Great strike by Tomasov for Astana Time for more debuts!

Enzo Fernandez • 3 goals and 6 assists in last 6 games. • Most pre-assists in the league. • Third highest number of successful switches of play. He has only started 10 of 15 in the Premier League this season. Priceless.

Carney Chukwuemeka needs to start tomorrow. He is a young, hugely exciting player that has shown glimpses of excellence at Chelsea in the past. Inexplicable that he has not had chances this season — and there is no excuse tomorrow with Casadei out.

Brilliant to hear Josh Acheampong will start tomorrow and is close to signing. He has a massive future at Chelsea.

Chelsea are a world-class goalkeeper and centre back away from being title contenders. When we get those, we will be unstoppable.

Inevitable that David Coote would face dismissal after the videos were released. Hope he gets the support he needs in his personal life to get him back on his feet.

Marc Cucurella was flawless after changing his boots. Many players would let their head drop - he did not. Resilient 🔵

Enzo Maresca is brilliant. His tactical change at half-time was spot on - bringing Caicedo into the midfield traffic and Gusto to cover Son on the wing. Best tactical manager in the league.

Enzo Fernandez has been outstanding lately. He stepped up to the plate and been the world-class playmaker and distributor that we knew would develop. Long may this consistent excellence continue.