Enzo Maresca makes shock Chelsea vs Real Betis Conference League decision
Football May 29, 2025 08:39 AM

Levi Colwill has been dropped from the starting lineup for .

The 22-year-old defender fired the Blues to a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday afternoon, breaking the deadlock shortly after half-time.

With Everton beating Newcastle and Aston Villa losing to Manchester United, Chelsea finished the Premier League season in fourth place on 69 points. Thanks to Colwill, following a two-year absence from the competition.

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Despite his impressive performance at the weekend, . Benoit Badiashile has replaced Colwill in the starting lineup, while Malo Gusto comes in for Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah replaces Tosin Adarabioyo and Jadon Sancho makes way for Nicolas Jackson.

"That is really, really interesting," said Joe Cole on TNT Sports ahead of . "My eyes go to the centre-halves, [Trevoh] Chalobah and Badiashile together, I am not a big fan of mixing it.

"Levi Colwill has been playing very, very well. Tosin has come in and done okay as well. That is interesting, that really is. , you know, experience on a big night.

"What you would say about Enzo is he's got it spot on in every time he has mixed the teams. But listen you can't pick a Chelsea team now, the squad is so strong you don't know who is going to start. There are always going to be a few talking points."

Steve Sidwell added: "I like Chalobah, I like that he has been brought back in. He's got a bit of skill there and experience as well, but yeah I know what you meanm, those partnerships you want to keep them throughout the competition."

When quizzed on his eyebrow-raising decisions, Maresca said: "Today has been a little bit complicated for the first XI but hopefully it is the right one."

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday ahead of the highly anticipated clash, . Maresca said: "I think it's important for everyone.

"You can see the other day how happy they were, also celebrating on the pitch. It's something normal, when you arrive, you are new, two, three years here, you invest money and finally you can reach something important.

"I think it's also something good for them, for everyone. Hopefully tomorrow we can continue to win, them, the fans, the club in general, and other trophies."

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