Analyzing football promotions and qualifications

I want to recall the stats on Leicester City under Maresca for the 2023/24 season. They finished with 97 points, which earned them automatic promotion as champions. Their possession was about 62%, with effective pressing, though they showed some vulnerabilities defensively.

Then there's Chelsea, finishing 6th in the EPL for 2023/24. Since Manchester United won the FA Cup, they qualify for the Europa League, and Chelsea will be heading to the Europa Conference League next season. Let's clarify these qualifications further if needed!Evaluating league placements and styles

So, Spurs finished 5th for the Europa League if the FA Cup winner is qualified for UCL/UEL. However, since Manchester United won the FA Cup while finishing 8th, they take that Europa League spot, which means Chelsea drops to the Conference League.

The differences in playing styles between the UCL and EPL are intriguing, especially regarding teams like Real Madrid and Inter, who use a more compact play style.

For Maresca, a medium-term fit seems possible if the club supports him with the right player profiles, although there's still a gap needing addressing, such as a deep-lying midfielder.Analyzing player roles and risks

I see Palmer as a right inside 10 works well, while Nkunku fits as a false 9 or left 10. Guiu could provide a box 9 option and Jackson can utilize his speed as a runner.

There are risks to consider, like handling EPL pressing, long balls, and set-piece defense, especially with a high line. Disasi's pace might raise concerns, though he’s acceptable, with strong ball-playing options like Colwill and Fofana.

The squad's youth presents challenges; if results struggle early on, pressure could mount, so time for adapting in training becomes crucial.Assessing team structure and strategy

I think the verdict is a conditional yes for the team if they commit to their structure. They should add a true 6/regista and a comfortable goalkeeper while being ready for some short-term turbulence. However, if they desire immediate top-4 results and fast transitions, that approach may not align.

During the first ten games, I’ll focus on their build-up shapes, defensive stability, and key player roles, including pressing triggers.

For a possible lineup in a 3-2-5 formation: Petrovic in goal, Disasi, Tosin or Colwill in defense, Caicedo as a pivot, with Mudryk and Palmer as wingers. I could also explore a 4-3-3 setup.Evaluating Maresca's strategy and lineup

Maresca prefers a single 6 regista (Winks) with two 8s, so an ideal setup could be Enzo as the 6, KDH as the left 8, and Palmer as the right 8 or touchline winger. At Leicester, he played with a wide right, which fits Palmer's style.

The key lies in selecting the right players and accepting some initial turbulence. Chelsea must balance direct confrontation and control, leveraging Maresca’s strategy to reduce volatility.

To ensure success, they need to address key positions and establish a clear balance while monitoring how Enzo and Caicedo perform in their roles over the first ten games. If they can't secure a new 6, it might be wise to adjust roles within the current squad for optimal output.