Mauricio Pochettino’s first season as Chelsea manager will kick off with a tough test as the Blues take on Jurgen Klopp’s much-changed Liverpool side at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea won’t be able to ease there way into the new campaign, with an opening weekend clash with Liverpool providing a real test.
It will be the first chance for new manager Mauricio Pochettino to test himself in a competitive environment, though there have been a few practice runs in pre-season. The Blues have a win against Brighton and a draw with Newcastle during the Premier League summer series, with a friendly against Fulham to come.
The games have provided an opportunity for Pochettino to look at his squad, which includes a number of new faces as well as returning loanees and stars keen to put last season’s 12th-place finish behind them. Here, Mirror Football looks at how the manager’s dream line-up might look on August 13, with another potential big signing to come.
Goalkeeper and defence
At the start of the summer, there were calls for Pochettino to part ways with both his senior goalkeepers. Instead, though, only Edouard Mendy has moved on and Kepa Arrizabalaga looks to have retained the trust of the new boss.
The biggest question at full-back was whether Reece James would be fit for the start of the campaign. He has returned in plenty of time, and should start on the right with Ben Chilwell edging out Marc Cucurella in the other full-back position.
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Levi Colwill could have a big part to play this season ( Image: Getty Images)
There are bigger issues in the middle, with Wesley Fofana a long-term injury victim and Benoit Badiashile yet to return. This is likely to leave Levi Colwill as the preferred partner for Thiago Silva as the Blues look to fend off interest in the England Under-21 star.
Midfield
With N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic moving on, Chelsea’s options are rather raw. Conor Gallagher has been the subject of interest from West Ham, but Pochettino has suggested he sees the academy talent in his plans.
The one guarantee in the middle, if fit, is Enzo Fernandez. The World Cup winner didn’t get the chance to show his full quality after arriving in January, but there were enough glimpses of what he can do.
The big question is who will partner Enzo Fernandez ( Image: Getty Images for Premier League)
Pre-season has seen the likes of Cesare Casadei and Andrey Santos given minutes, but the youngsters can expect to make way if Chelsea land Moises Caicedo. The Blues may need to up their bid for the Ecuador star, but Pochettino’s dream outcome would likely involve a successful swoop for the Brighton man.
Attack
If Pochettino opts for a 4-2-3-1 approach, both of Chelsea’s high-profile summer arrivals could be involved from the get-go. Christopher Nkunku has found himself the furthest man forward at times at club level, but the London side may choose to use the Frenchman just behind fellow new boy Nicolas Jackson.
How Chelsea could line up for their opening game
There are plenty of options for the wide roles, though Christian Pulisic has been sold and Callum Hudson-Odooi is also expected to move on. One of the spots should be filled by Raheem Sterling, who will want to get back to his best after a stop-start debut season.
Another man with a point to prove is Mykhaylo Mudryk, who has already looked sharper over the summer. It will be between him and Noni Madueke for the other wide berth, but the Ukrainian may well win out.
“We need players who are happy,” Pochettino said, with more sales anticipated. “Playing, or not playing. If they believe they need to be in the first XI, try to be the coach, it is better to talk now. Maybe they think: If you don’t play I don’t want to be here.”
Soucre: mirror.co.uk
