While fans were enthralled by the punch-for-punch pre-Christmas approach that led to premature talk of a title challenge, Maresca wasn’t. After the 6-2 win over Wolves he bemoaned his side’s lack of “control”. After the 4-2 win over Brighton he laboured over how “open” Chelsea were.

Maresca was "surprised" by the way Copenhagen set up for the first leg last week: "I watched many of their games and they played with a four but against us they played with five [in defence]. Then we tried to adapt. They changed completely the way they played. We don't know how they will play - we will find out tomorrow."

Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer failed to score for a ninth consecutive match after missing a penalty against Leicester, but it emerged after the game that he had been struggling with illness

Chelsea news as Enzo Maresca can make unthinkable Cole Palmer squad decision against FC Copenhagen and won't get a better chance

A disease has spread among Chelsea players, threatening their preparations for Thursday's UEFA Conference League game against FC Copenhagen at Stamford Bridge

Enzo Maresca revealed a stomach bug has "probably" spread through the Chelsea squad as he provided an update on Cole Palmer after a bout of diarrhoea.

With Chelsea taking on Copenhagen on Thursday evening in the second-leg of their Conference League round of 16 tie, Bobby Vincent and Tom Coley share what they would do regarding the Blues' line-up