The Blues begin a busy December with a difficult game at Elland Road, a ground where they lost 3-0 on their last visit under Thomas Tuchel.
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If Chelsea want to be considered title contenders, these are the games they have to win, something Maresca will be more than aware of.
Enzo Maresca on the lack of minutes for Josh Acheampong
Maresca only made one change to the team for the Barcelona and Arsenal games, but will likely make several changes on Wednesday, especially with another game against Bournemouth on Saturday.
Acheampong has put in impressive performances this season and Chelsea fans would like to see more minutes for the 19-year-old.
Acheampong has not played in the league for Chelsea since October. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
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Acheampong scored his first goal for Chelsea against Nottingham Forest, but has not played in the league since the 2-1 defeat to Sunderland in October.
The teenager came on as a late substitute against Barcelona last week, and Maresca has now explained his lack of minutes.
“It’s very good,” he said, quoted on X.com by journalist Lloyd Canfield.
“The only thing, I mean, it’s something nice for me, and it’s something nice for the club, is that right now our central defenders are doing very well.
“Wes is doing well, Trev is doing well and Josh is doing well.
“This is what we need in terms of central defenders. It’s just a matter of finding the right moment when we give it the opportunity.”
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Chelsea look much better defensively
Having struggled at the start of the season defensively, with a number of mistakes made, the Blues have made real improvements.
Chelsea only conceded one goal in the Premier League in November, and that is partly because Maresca decided on a consistent pairing.
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Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana started three of those four games and the duo is showing signs of being a very good partnership.
Maresca is likely to change that partnership against Leeds, and it will be interesting to see who comes in, with several options available.