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

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

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