Maresca optimizes Chelsea's attack: Pedro drops back to 10, Delap plays as a central striker.

Chelsea entered the weekend at Stamford Bridge with a clear plan: to fix Joao Pedro in the deep-lying number 10 role and wait for Liam Delap's return to complete the attacking line. Enzo Maresca's team is showing signs of improvement, including a victory against champions Liverpool, and the goal of breaking into the Top 4 is open if they capitalize on the upcoming run of matches.

Key moment: Maresca "positioned" Pedro

Given that Pedro has played in both the number 9 and number 10 positions since the start of the season, Maresca admitted that the Brazilian forward is better suited to playing deeper in an attacking midfield role. That's where he touches the ball more, connects the lines, and delivers passes that unlock the defense. The decision to fixate on this role aims to restore Pedro's rhythm after a period of constantly changing positions.

Personnel developments: Delap is close to returning, Guiu needs time.

The key to this adjustment lies with Liam Delap. The new English signing was brought in to compete for the center forward position, but a hamstring injury has kept him sidelined for weeks. Maresca confirmed Delap is not yet fit for this weekend, but the striker is close to making his return. Meanwhile, Marc Guiu is still in the recovery phase and not yet ready to shoulder the number 9 role.

Tactical analysis: Pedro and Delap and their complementary roles.

Pedro, the conductor between the lines.

Pedro performs best when not "stuck" in a central midfield like a typical number 9. In a deeper number 10 role, he can drop back to receive the ball, maneuver in half-space, draw opponents out of position, and deliver a decisive pass. His long-range shooting ability and positioning around the edge of the penalty box also make Pedro a surprise supporting player rather than a primary source of goals.

Delap, the attacking anchor and spearhead.

Delap possesses the qualities of a center forward: scoring goals in the penalty area, moving behind the defense, and holding up defenders to create space. With Delap as the central striker, Chelsea have a clear target for crosses or through passes, while simultaneously stretching the defense and creating space for Pedro to freely create in the midfield.

This combination promises to solve the balance problem: Delap provides attacking depth, while Pedro creates width and link-up play. With a packed schedule next month, this structure helps Maresca optimize resources, reduce reliance on a single individual, and boost overall performance.

Key statistics

Note: Delap has a hamstring injury and is not yet fit for this weekend's game, but is getting closer to his return.

Impact and prospects: Top 4 race and upcoming milestones

Chelsea sent a strong signal with their victory over champions Liverpool, and the opportunity to maintain their momentum lies in the match against Sunderland at Stamford Bridge. Delap's return not only adds another scoring option but also completes the plan to position Pedro in the number 10 role.

Looking further ahead, the crucial away trip to Tottenham will test the effectiveness of the new structure. If Delap is available, Chelsea could operate more fluidly on all three flanks, maintain pressure in the final third, and give Pedro space to convert link-up play into clear chances.

With an increasingly complete squad and standardized roles, Maresca's Chelsea attack is moving towards a more versatile version: a "back-pressing" center forward and a deep-lying attacking midfielder – a dynamic duo capable of both controlling the game and launching direct attacks when the opportunity arises.