Chelsea predicted line-up vs Liverpool: how Mauricio Pochettino’s remodelled side could look in season opener

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The new-look Blues kick off their 2023/24 Premier League campaign against Liverpool on Sunday

Some baptisms are more fiery than others. Mauricio Pochettino must have been hoping that his first competitive fixture as Chelsea manager would have eased him into the job nice and slowly, perhaps with a gentle Saturday afternoon visit from a newly-promoted side, or at worst, a club who drifted their way to a gentle mid-table finish in the Premier League last season.

Instead, he has got Liverpool on Sunday evening. Welcome to Stamford Bridge, Poch.

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Now, obviously, the opening weekend is a time of parity. Everybody starts on a level playing field, and everybody believes that they can achieve their respective goals. But where Chelsea are concerned, there will be a sense of trepidation surrounding the new season, partially because of how poor last year was, and partially because they will almost certainly be fielding a vastly different side from here on out.

But what changes will Pochettino enact, and how is his team likely to line up? We’ve taken a closer look below...

Mauricio Pochettino’s first XI as Chelsea manager looks set to be full of change from last season. Mauricio Pochettino’s first XI as Chelsea manager looks set to be full of change from last season.
Mauricio Pochettino’s first XI as Chelsea manager looks set to be full of change from last season. | Getty Images

Formation

If pre-season is anything to go on, then the chances are that Mauricio Pochettino will opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation at Stamford Bridge this weekend. The Argentine has generally preferred that shape during his side’s preparations for the new campaign, and it allows him to set up with a solid defensive base while also accomodating a fluid and direct attacking cohort.

The sole striker will be supported by two wingers and a number 10, while his full-backs will also be expected to bomb on to aid the front line where appropriate.

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Goalkeeper

The arrival of Robert Sanchez from Brighton at least presents current Stamford Bridge number one Kepa Arrizabalaga with a modicum of competition, but the expectation will be for the Spaniard to get the nod between the sticks on the opening weekend.

Sanchez should push for a starting berth as the season progresses, however, and everything could be thrown into disarray if Bayern Munich’s reported interest in Kepa comes to fruition before the end of the transfer window.

Defender

At right-back, brand new club captain Reece James should start after being handed the ultimate vote of confidence from Mauricio Pochettino. The England international has featured regularly in pre-season, and will be hoping to put to bed the injury issues that plagued him last campaign.

On the opposite side of defence, Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella will be in direct competition for a starting role this term, but at the time of writing, it feels as if the former curries a touch more favour with his new boss, and he should feature against Liverpool.

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In the centre, Chelsea are positively lousy with options these days following the recent arrival of Axel Disasi, but chances are that Thiago Silva will get the nod alongside Levi Colwill, who the Blues have fought so vehemently to keep at the club this summer - they’ve even handed him the number 26 shirt, famously worn by club legend John Terry. A pleasing mix of experience and potential then, and hopefully the beginning of a wonderful partnership.

Midfielder

Chelsea’s midfield is threadbare to say the least. After a mass exodus of sorts that has seen the likes of N’Golo Kante, Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, Mateo Kovacic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Tiemoue Bakayoko (remember him?) all leave the club, the Blues’ options in the centre of the park are pretty limited.

Enzo Fernandez is nailed on for a start, as is Conor Gallagher at the present moment in time, but beyond that things are a little less clear and will remain so until the Blues conclude their summer business, which is likely to include the recruitment of Leeds United’s Tyler Adams, alongside at least one more central midfielder.

Chances are it will be Carney Chukwuekmeka who squeezes his way into the starting XI as a number 10 after having impressed considerably during pre-season - Fantasy Premier League players, you could have yourself a bargain here.

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Out on the flanks, Raheem Sterling will be hoping for a more effective campaign than he had during his first year in west London, while Mykhailo Mudryk will be aiming to have the kind of seismic impact that Chelsea fans were expecting when he initially arrived at the club back in January.

Striker

With Christopher Nkunku ruled out for a the foreseeable future, Chelsea’s most likely centre-forward option is Nicolas Jackson this weekend. The 22-year-old has shone in pre-season, and will be hoping that he continue to impress as the Premier League gets underway. The striker scored 12 times in 26 La Liga outings for Villarreal last term.

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