“Please start him tomorrow” – Chelsea fans urge Enzo Maresca to give £45m ace chance in vs Fulham clash

Chelsea vs. Fulham: Boxing Day Derby at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea gear up for a highly anticipated Boxing Day showdown against local rivals Fulham at Stamford Bridge. This Premier League clash pits two teams enjoying strong seasons against each other in what promises to be an intense encounter.

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Chelsea’s Form: A Season of Momentum

The Blues enter the festive period in second place on the league table, riding high on their impressive form. Before the weekend’s goalless draw away to Everton, Chelsea had been on an eight-game winning streak across all competitions, showcasing their dominance.

Fulham’s Solid Campaign

Meanwhile, Fulham sits comfortably in ninth position under Marco Silva’s management. The Cottagers have earned praise for their consistency and are proving to be a tough opponent this season.

Chelsea Fans Push for Joao Felix to Start

Ahead of the match, many Chelsea fans are calling for Joao Felix to return to the starting XI. The 25-year-old Portuguese forward has struggled for consistent game time in the league, having started only two Premier League matches since rejoining the club in a £45 million deal over the summer (BBC).

Supporters Speak Out

Fans have taken to social media, urging head coach Enzo Maresca to include Felix in the lineup.

• “Joao Felix has to start against Fulham,” one fan tweeted.
• Another wrote, “Need a Joao Felix start against Fulham.”
• “Palmer looks tired. I think Felix should be playing the Fulham game,” another supporter added.

Felix, known for his ability to change games with individual brilliance, has shown flashes of his talent across cup competitions. However, he has struggled to secure a regular spot in Maresca’s preferred starting XI.

Felix’s Ups and Downs

Despite his undeniable potential, Felix hasn’t fully cemented his place in Chelsea’s lineup since his summer transfer. Maresca reportedly needed convincing to re-sign the versatile forward, which might explain the sporadic appearances in the league. Felix has been an unused substitute in six Premier League matches this season, reflecting the ongoing challenges in finding his role in the team.

Neto’s Praise for Felix

Pedro Neto, Felix’s teammate, shared glowing praise for him in November, calling him an “incredible” player. Neto expressed delight in playing alongside Felix for both club and country, but it seems Maresca remains cautious in deploying the forward.

Will Felix Get His Chance?

Felix’s versatility makes him a valuable asset, capable of playing as a No. 10, second striker, or winger. With Chelsea entering a hectic festive schedule, including this key derby, it remains to be seen whether Maresca will show greater trust in Felix and give him the opportunity fans are clamoring for.

This Boxing Day derby could be a pivotal moment for Felix to prove his worth and contribute to Chelsea’s success as the season heats up.