Maresca has spoken publicly about the need to protect his players, with the Blues competing in five competitions this season and our 2024/25 campaign potentially running until July 13 due to the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.

With so many talented players at his disposal, the cup competitions also give Maresca the chance to provide crucial game time to more of his squad.

The line-up against Barrow is still full of international experience and consists of players pushing for a place in our Premier League starting line-up.

Denmark Under-21's Filip Jorgensen starts in goal and will be protected by a back four which consists of France internationals Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi and Malo Gusto, plus the recently called-up Renato Veiga.

As confirmed by Maresca in yesterday's press conference, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall starts in midfield alongside Italy Under-21 international Cesare Casadei, who is making his first start for Chelsea following 11 substitute appearances during the 2023/24 campaign.

Portugal duo Joao Felix and Pedro Neto are also included, as is Ukraine's Mykhailo Mudryk, with France forward Christopher Nkunku expected to lead the line.

The replacements include Under-21 players Josh Acheampong, Tyrique George and Deivid Washington, plus England internationals Ben Chilwell and Levi Colwill.

World Cup-winner Enzo Fernandez is also on the bench, alongside Marcus Bettinelli and talented teenager Marc Guiu.

Chelsea starting XI: Jorgensen; Gusto, Disasi, Badiashile, Veiga; Casadei, Dewsbury-Hall; Neto, Joao Felix, Mudryk; Nkunku

Unused subs: Bettinelli, Acheampong, Chilwell, Colwill, Fernandez, Chukwuemeka, George, Washington, Guiu