Palmer Set to Spark Chelsea's Attack as Blues Face Bayern Munich Showdown
Chelsea make their return to the Allianz Arena for the first time in half a decade on Wednesday evening, as their 2025–26 Champions League journey commences.
The Blues face a challenging league phase schedule, with their intimidating fixture list starting with perhaps their most formidable test. Bayern Munich secured the Bundesliga title once again last season and are already showing signs of cruising toward another domestic championship.
Chelsea undoubtedly possess a roster with sufficient depth to challenge across multiple competitions in Enzo Maresca's sophomore campaign as manager, and their ability to match Europe's elite was evident during the conclusion of summer's Club World Cup. Nevertheless, the Blues have already encountered injury setbacks early in the new campaign, with some critics questioning the absence of world-class talent despite recent heavy investments.
Importantly, however, Maresca has his most valuable player healthy and ready for selection once more. Here's how Chelsea might set up against Bayern Munich in the opening matchday of the league phase.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1)
GK: Robert Sánchez—Chelsea's number one goalkeeper may need to produce something extraordinary for the away side to claim a positive result in Munich on Wednesday evening.
RB: Reece James—Maresca tested Wesley Fofana in the right-back position on Saturday, but the Italian manager will likely choose a more traditional approach here. The captain should regain his place in the starting eleven.
CB: Tosin Adarabioyo—While some fans might prefer seeing Fofana or Josh Acheampong given the nod ahead of the ex-Fulham defender, Maresca appears ready to maintain his confidence in Tosin.
CB: Trevoh Chalobah—Previously considered a 'bomb squad' player who spent last summer on loan at Crystal Palace, Chalobah is expected to be nearly ever-present for the Blues this campaign, facing a significant test against Harry Kane on Wednesday.
LB: Marc Cucurella—Jorrel Hato endured difficulties in his Premier League debut, leaving no question that Cucurella will quickly reclaim his spot in Maresca's starting lineup.
CM: Moisés Caicedo—The Ecuadorian midfielder may have believed he secured victory for Chelsea at Brentford on Saturday, but his powerful effort was controversially equalized late by Fábio Carvalho.
CM: Enzo Fernández—Enzo displayed the qualities of the midfield orchestrator Chelsea believed they were acquiring in 2023. With less forward runs and more possession in deeper areas, the Argentine's passing range could exploit Bayern's high defensive line.
RW: Estêváo—The Brazilian wonderkid was absent from Saturday's stalemate due to illness, but he's been seen in training before Chelsea's departure to Munich, with Maresca likely to restore the dynamic young winger to his starting eleven.
AM: Cole Palmer—Palmer marked his comeback from a groin problem by finding the net as a substitute at Brentford, registering his first Premier League strike since January. Chelsea will rely on their creative genius to provide inspiration in this encounter.
LW: Pedro Neto—Jamie Gittens hasn't capitalized on his chances so far, while Alejandro Garnacho is pressing for inclusion. Nevertheless, Maresca might shift Neto back to his natural left wing position in Munich. He represents the pace that Enzo and Palmer will seek to exploit.
ST: João Pedro—Pedro might not be at full fitness for Wednesday's match, with Maresca revealing that the Brazilian requested to feature on Saturday evening. However, the Chelsea manager has limited alternatives but to field the summer signing as his striker once again.
