Chelsea are gearing up for what could be their most significant match of the season on Wednesday evening as they head to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. They need a victory against the current Italian champions, Napoli. Liam Rosenior is bracing himself for the most important match since he assumed control of the Blues, aware that a win could secure their place in the Champions League knockout stages and help them evade a two-legged playoff tie next month.

However, even a three-point haul in Naples might not guarantee Chelsea’s progression, with seven teams level with the Blues going into the final matchday. Goal difference will play a crucial role. Rosenior has some challenging decisions to make regarding the squad he selects for the Wednesday night showdown in Italy. With this in mind, Bobby Vincent and Sam Truelove discuss the XI they would choose for this monumental match.

Rosenior needs to field his strongest XI. But who does that include? That’s open to interpretation. Robert Sanchez should undoubtedly be in goal.

In front of the goalkeeper, there could be an argument for Malo Gusto at right-back, flanked by Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah and Marc Cucurella in Chelsea’s back four.

Reece James could shift into midfield to provide the west Londoners with additional physicality in Naples. Moises Caicedo, naturally, alongside the Blues captain, with Enzo Fernandez taking up the No.10 role ahead of the midfield duo.

That would mean Cole Palmer on the right-hand side should he be fit enough to start in Italy. Pedro Neto on the left with his work-rate off the ball integral for Chelsea against the Italian champions.

Joao Pedro to lead the line, with the likes of Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens, Alejandro Garnacho and Estevao Willian options from the bench for Rosenior.

Bobby’s XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; James, Caicedo; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Joao Pedro.

This is a crucial fixture for Chelsea. The Blues can still secure qualification for the round of 16 and bypass a two-legged play-off with victory in Italy on Wednesday, though even then nothing is certain.

Rosenior will be aware of the significant challenge Napoli will pose, and for this reason the new head coach should field a robust starting XI.

That means Sanchez begins between the posts, with Fofana and Benoit Badiashile the starting centre-halves. I would deploy Gusto at right-back and Cucurella at left-back.

Gusto gets the nod at right-back because I wouldn’t object to James partnering Caicedo in midfield for this encounter. That additional strength and experience could prove invaluable.

I would then deploy Neto, Fernandez and Estevao because all three were outstanding against Crystal Palace at the weekend. Then Joao Pedro gets the nod for me in the striker role as the Brazilian has appeared back to his best recently.

Sam’s XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Badiashile, Cucurella; James, Caicedo; Estevao, Fernandez, Neto; Joao Pedro.