
Enzo Maresca has hinted that Marc Guiu could be in line for his first Premier League start this weekend when Chelsea host West Ham United at Stamford Bridge.
Guiu, who signed for Chelsea from Barcelona in the summer, is the top scorer in the Europa Conference League, having scored six goals in six games.
The 19-year-old, however, has yet to be handed a chance in the top flight – making just two brief cameos off the bench.
But with Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku both struggling for form, Maresca has now suggested Guiu could finally be given his chance.
Jackson has scored just once in his last nine Premier League outings, while Nkunku—who has been linked with a January move to Manchester United—has only two goals in the league this season.
Speaking ahead of Chelsea's match against West Ham, Maresca was asked whether Guiu was ready for a Premier League start given his stellar performances in Europe.
He responded: "Marc is improving a lot, to be honest. He's doing fantastic. Day by day, he is becoming more ready for that sort of game."
Guiu has been heavily praised for his performances in the Conference League this season by former Chelsea star Joe Cole.
Speaking about the young striker after he scored a sensational solo goal against Astana in December, Cole, likened him to former Barcelona star Luis Suarez.
"Marc Guiu must have watched Luis Suarez as a young man at Barcelona," he said. "He was a thorn in the side throughout for Astana in that first half. He was direct and the first goal was exquisite from the young man."
After Guiu then scored a hat-trick against Shamrock Rovers just a week later, Cole doubled down on his praise for the teenager.
"I likened him to Suarez and I got a lot of stick for it," Cole said. "I’m not saying he is Luis Suarez now, but what he’s got is that instinct and bravery. He’s thinking ‘I’m going to gamble and he commits at full pace.
"I think he can go all the way," he added. "I think Barcelona have made a real mistake."
Guiu must be given his chance
Everything Chelsea says
We've long been strong supporters of Jackson at Everything Chelsea, but his recent dip in form leaves Maresca with little choice but to drop him—if only to give him a much-needed wake-up call.
Nkunku would normally be the obvious replacement, but while his quality is undeniable, he has seemed noticeably disengaged in recent weeks, possibly distracted by speculation about his future.
Given the current situation, Guiu deserves his opportunity in the Premier League.

He has already shown his ability in the Conference League and will be eager to prove himself on a bigger stage.
Chelsea have lacked urgency and hunger in recent weeks, and unleashing the young Spaniard could be the spark they desperately need to solve their attacking struggles.
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