Having Christopher Nkunku’s name on Chelsea’s teamsheet for the match against Legia Warsaw has drawn instant hostility from supporters. Quite a few of them believe his recent performances do not merit further selection. They have questioned Enzo Maresca’s decision to place him in the starting XI of their Conference League quarter-final clash.
The French forward, once considered one of the club’s marquee attacking pieces, now finds himself increasingly under the microscope. Following a strong end to last season and an eye-catching preseason, big things were expected of Nkunku.
Under Enzo Maresca, though, he has struggled for playing time, particularly with Nicolas Jackson now blocking his path in the Premier League. When Jackson spent time on the sidelines with an injury earlier this season, Nkunku had a run in the team. However, his displays fell flat.
Nkunku has flashed his quality in the Conference League this season. He has scored five goals and created three assists in just seven games. However, he has struggled to adapt to leading the line in the Premier League. Despite making nine starts, he has scored just thrice, while picking up two assists. Indeed, in 2025, Nkunku has managed just one league goal.
Online, sentiment among fans has been clear: Many believe Nkunku is not cut out for playing as Chelsea’s lone striker. They took to social media with comments like these:
Seeing Nkunku there make me just want to follow the scores..
— CFC_07 (@anothercfcstan) April 10, 2025
fuck me how does nkunku keep getting a start
— chelsazpi (@stephmudryk) April 10, 2025
This nkunku guy
— och ogoh (@OgohOch5311) April 10, 2025
Another Nkunku stinker
— Ａｙｏ Ｄａ Ｖｉｄ🦅 (@just1ayo) April 10, 2025
I'd rather play with 10 players than use Nkunku
— High Value Man (@GregBurrows7) April 10, 2025
Why the fuck does this nkunku scrub keep playing he doesn’t give a toss
— Bookie (@BookieCfc) April 10, 2025
Chelsea vs Legia Warsaw Match Preview & Starting Lineups: April 10, 2025
Chelsea have named a lineup to start their Europa Conference League quarter-final first leg at Legia Warsaw. With one place in the semi-finals up for grabs, manager Enzo Maresca has opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation.
In goal is Filip Jorgensen, and the back four is made up of Malo Gusto, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, and Josh Acheampong. Reece James leads the team from the midfield and plays with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in a deeper role.
In front of them, Cole Palmer serves as the lone playmaker, while Jadon Sancho is likely to start on the left and Tyrique George on the right. Christopher Nkunku, the lone striker, is leading the line.
Chelsea: Jorgensen, Acheampong, Tosin, Badiashile, Gusto, James (c), Dewsbury-Hall, Sancho, Palmer, George, Nkunku
Chelsea substitutes: Sanchez, Cucurella, Chalobah, Colwill, Rak-Sakyi, Amougou, Caicedo, Fernandez, Madueke, Neto, Jackson, Mhueka
Legia Warsaw: Tobiasz, Wszolek, Pankov, Kapuadi, Ruben Vinagre, Oyedele, Augustyniak (c), Elitim, Chodyna, Morishita, Luquinhas
Legia Warsaw substitutes: Mendes, Kovacevic, Goncalves, Pekhart, Bichakhchyan, Kun, Barcia, Mozie, Olewinski, Szczepaniak
