Chelsea potential lineup 2025/26 comes with new signings, tactical shifts, and key battles. Chelsea are poised to return to the UEFA Champions League while they are also getting ready to start their Premier League season. Moreover, manager Enzo Maresca faces the difficult task of figuring out what his ideal starting XI will be, as he has a deep squad, new signings from the summer transfer window and some returning stars that will create stiff competition in every position. Here is a detailed look at Chelsea potentially lineup, fielding a starting XI during the 2025/26 season based on the current transfer window, tactical direction, and pre-season events, for the 2025/26 season.
Goalkeeper: High-Stakes Upgrade
- Priority Target: France international Mike Maignan (AC Milan) is Chelsea’s top goalkeeping target, with the club willing to spend £25m for his services. Moreover, his shot-stopping prowess and distribution align with Maresca’s build-up philosophy.
- Incumbent Option: If Maignan falls through, Robert Sánchez retains his spot despite criticism, with Filip Jörgensen and loan standout Djordje Petrović (Strasbourg) as alternatives.
Defense: Stability and Reinforcements
- Full-Backs: Captain Reece James (RB) and resurgent Marc Cucurella (LB) are favored starters, though Malo Gusto provides cover for James.
- Center-Backs: Levi Colwill is a lock after his breakthrough season.
- Marc Guéhi (Crystal Palace): A £40m+ reunion target, offering leadership and Premier League experience.
- Wesley Fofana: If fully fit after injury, his recovery pace complements Colwill’s positioning.
- Wildcard: Tosin Adarabioyo’s ball-playing skills could earn him starts in less physical fixtures.
Midfield: Anchored by Record Signings
Chelsea’s strongest unit features minimal changes:
- Double Pivot: Moises Caicedo (2024/25 Player of the Season) and vice-captain Enzo Fernández form a near-untouchable base, therefore, shielding the defense and launching attacks.
- Attacking Midfield: Cole Palmer occupies the No. 10 role as Chelsea’s creative engine, coming off a 43-goal contribution season. His link-up with forwards is irreplaceable.
- Depth: Roméo Lavia’s return from injury and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s versatility offer rotation options.
Forwards: New-Look Attack
Radical changes expected to be there, with three new signings likely to start:
- Right Wing: Pedro Neto retains his spot due to explosive dribbling, though Noni Madueke threatens his minutes.
- Left Wing: Jamie Gittens (£55m from Dortmund) is favored over Estevao Willian, because his adaptation may take time.
- Striker: Liam Delap (£30m from Ipswich) edges Nicolas Jackson after scoring 12 Premier League goals in a relegated side. Moreover, his physicality suits Maresca’s pressing system.
Predicted Starting XI (4-2-3-1):
Position | Player | Key Insight
GK | Mike Maignan | Priority upgrade; £25m bid prepared
RB | Reece James (C) | Fitness-managed; Gusto backup
CB | Marc Guéhi | Leadership & recovery tackles
CB | Levi Colwill | Tactical intelligence; set-piece threat
LB | Marc Cucurella | Most improved 2024/25 defender
CM | Moisés Caicedo | Defensive shield; ball progression
CM | Enzo Fernández | Deep-lying playmaker; vice-captain
RW | Pedro Neto | Dribbling, pace, and creativity
AM | Cole Palmer | Undroppable; 43 goals/assists last term
LW | Jamie Gittens | New signing; direct Sancho replacement
ST | Liam Delap | Target-man upgrade; aerial dominance
Tactical Nuances and Wildcards
- Maresca’s System: Expect high-pressing, inverted full-backs (James tucking mid), and rapid transitions – leveraging Palmer’s vision and Delap’s hold-up play.
- Game-Changing Subs: Estevao Willian (LW/RW) and Omari Kellyman (AM) inject flair late in games, while Nicolas Jackson offers pace against tired defense.
- Injury X-Factors: Fofana’s fitness or a failed Maignan deal could see Tosin or Petrović starting.
A Blend of Steel and Star Power
Chelsea 2025/26 lineup is well-balanced between commercial signings (Maignan, Guéhi, Delap), established players (Palmer, James, Fernández) plus the defence has greater stability, the midfield looks as it should, and the attack features youthful hunger where previously there was only apathy. Maignan’s arrival would clean up questions about goalkeeping, while Delap’s physicality provides a focal point that was not there previously. With preseason fixtures, however, against Leverkusen and AC Milan (August 8 – 10) to assess the squad, Maresca’s lineup choices will be dependent on tactical harmony and immediate ability to make an impact. However, with the opening fixture against Crystal Palace now just a week away (August 17), there is enough depth in this squad to contest all four competitions – as long there an early connection form.
As featured on Chelseanews.com
