Chelsea face quadruple setback as Enzo Maresca favourites run Premier League suspension risk

Chelsea are coming out of the international break with reasons to be cheerful as they prepare for a huge run of fixtures.

The Blues sit third in the table after a perhaps unexpectedly smooth start under Enzo Maresca. The head coach arrived from Leicester City in the summer, having guided the Foxes to promotion from the Championship.

And there have been just two Premier League defeats in their opening 11 games: at home to Manchester City on the opening day of the season, and away at Anfield in a narrow loss to league leaders Liverpool.

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The results on the pitch have pushed the Blues up to third in the table following their draw at home against Arsenal before the break, with Chelsea's outstanding attacking form ensuring they stayed above the Gunners in the table on goal difference.

In amongst the decent league form was a disappointing Carabao Cup performance away to Newcastle which saw them dumped out of the cup, but also some strong displays in the UEFA Conference League, including the recent 8-0 win over FC Noah.

Chelsea return to action after the break with an early kick-off on Saturday away at Leicester - not an ideal start with a number of players on their way back from duty in South America. However, they'll be hopeful of a win against Maresca's old side, who sit 15th in their first season back in the Premier League.

After that it's more European action, away in Germany to face Heidenheim. And then a slog of domestic fixtures until the beginning of January, with the Blues featuring twice every week until the turn of the year.

One thing every manager will be hoping for in the run-up to Christmas is to have a fully fit and available squad, and it's one area where the Blues may be slightly more worried. While recently the injury news has all been positive for Maresca, he will be hoping ill-discipline does not cost his side.

Chelsea have already lost Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana to suspensions this season for picking up five yellow cards, with the duo now each having picked up six. At this rate, they will likely pick up another two-game suspension at some stage this season, with 21 games to go before the cut-off period for reaching 10 yellow cards.

There is also another duo not too far behind them. Nicolas Jackson has led the line well for the Blues so far this season, but has picked up four yellow cards in amongst his goals. And after recently hitting top form in his first season at Stamford Bridge, Maresca could be a little peeved to see Pedro Neto on four bookings already despite starting just five games for the Blues in the league.

But behind that duo are two of the head coach's most-used players this season. Levi Colwill has played every minute of Chelsea's league campaign so far, only being rested for the Conference League and Carabao Cup games. He has formed a fine partnership with Fofana at the back - aside from the game the French defender missed at Anfield due to suspension.

Alongside Colwill is arguably the most important Chelsea player this season: Cole Palmer. The attacker is unplayable at his best, with four goals in one game against Brighton, and three assists in another against Wolves already under his belt this season.

The 22-year-old has quickly made himself indispensable to Chelsea, but with three bookings this season he is edging closer towards a suspension. There are some big games coming up in the league for the Blues, including a London derby against Tottenham in December, and Maresca will not want his star man missing due to small infractions.

Chelsea have already shown what they can do against the likes of Arsenal - it's up to the players to ensure they aren't scuppering chances of a standout season.