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Chelsea fans have conveyed their dismay on X after Enzo Maresca opted to include Nicolas Jackson in the starting XI to face Manchester City. The two Premier League giants are set to lock horns in their opening 2024-25 Premier League fixture at Stamford Bridge (Sunday, August 18).
Maresca will be hoping to start on a positive note against the reigning champions. Robert Sanchez starts in goal for the Blues. Malo Gusto, Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, and Marc Cucurella make up the defense. The midfield consists of Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, Enzo Fernandez, Cole Palmer, and Christopher Nkunku. Nicolas Jackson is the lone forward as the Blues line-up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Some fans online are unhappy with Jackson's inclusion. The 23-year-old struggled for consistency last season despite scoring 17 goals in 44 appearances across all competitions. He was also guilty of missing 24 big chances in his debut season at the club.
One fan posted:
"Jackson shouldn't have started"
Another fan tweeted:
"Am not happy that that Jackson has started"
Other reactions can be viewed below:
"JACKSON? Goodnight," one fan posted
"Jackson ????" one fan questioned
"Chelsea have spent £1.2 billion since Boehly took over but their starting centre forward is Nicolas Jackson," another added
"Another Jackson season, God Abeg. Up Chelsea!!!" one fan commented
"JACKSON GOT THE STARTING IX. what is chelsea cooking....?" another chimed in
Raheem Sterling's camp release statement after Chelsea star left out squad to face Manchester City
Raheem Sterling's entourage have released a public statement after he was left out of the matchday squad to face Manchester City in the Premier League.
They posted (via Mail Sport h/t Fabrizio Romano):
“Raheem Sterling is contracted to Chelsea for the next three years. He returned to England two weeks early to conduct individual training, and has had a positive pre-season under the new coach, who he has developed a good working relationship with."
“He is committed, as ever, to delivering at the highest level for Chelsea FC and the fans, who he holds in high regard, and given his inclusion in official club pre-match material this week, our expectation was that Raheem would be involved in this weekend’s fixture in some capacity”
They continued:
“As a camp, we have always had positive dialogue with, and assurance from, Chelsea FC in relation to Raheem’s future at the club, so we look forward to gaining clarity on the situation. Until then, we will continue to support Raheem’s desire to start the new season positively."
Sterling has struggled to replicate the form he displayed during his time at Manchester City since joining the Blues two years ago. He has scored 19 goals and provided 12 assists in 81 appearances across all competitions.
With Nkunku and Palmer above him in the pecking order, it remains to be seen if Sterling forces a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer. He is contracted with the Blues until the summer of 2027.
