Predicted Chelsea starting XI for Wrexham friendly: Gusto starts

After all the misery experienced by the club last season due to a bloated squad and managerial uncertainty, Boehly and his team have wasted no time and resolved majority of the concerns to ensure that Chelsea FC get back to where they belong.

Experienced tactician Mauricio Pochettino will take charge of his first game where the west Londeners are up against Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s National League winning side, Wrexham AFC.

The Blues have done exceptionally well in the transfer market so far, offloading players who were at a risk of running down their contract and the players who simply couldn’t see themselves having a future at this club.

In terms of additions to the squad, the recruitment team has primarily focused on wonderkids who will be working their fingers to the bone in order to get noticed by the Gaffer and hopefully establish themselves in this potent squad.

The 29-man squad includes our new signings and returning loanees. Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Armando Broja and Marcus Bettinelli have not travelled and will continue recovering from their respective injuries at Cobham. Reece James too was asked to stay back as a precaution but is expected to join the squad as soon as he gets better.

Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Wrexham (4-4-2)

Goalkeeper: Gabriel Slonina (USA)

Following the sale of Edouard Mendy, the Blues will be looking for his replacement to serve as deputy to our first choice goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga. Marcus Bettinelli is still recovering from his injury which leaves CFC with Gabriel Slonina, Lucas Bergstorm, Eddie Beach and Jamie Cuming. Slonina’s performances last season will definitely give him an advantage in this race as the Chels’ faithful seem to be very excited to get first glimpses of the 19th year old.

Right back: Malo Gusto (France)

After the departure of club legend Cesar Azpilicueta and Reece James’ recurring injury concerns, the former Olympique Lyon right back will be looking forward to be greater involvement than first expected. The fanbase however is skeptical of his defensive abilities and Gusto will be hoping to put out promising displays and show that we can rely on him.

Centre back: Trevoh Chalobah (England)

A few reports suggest that Pochettino will not need more than four centre backs for the upcoming season which endangers the academy graduate’s future at the club. Nevertheless, the absence of the injured French duo will give Chalobah the opportunity he needs to prove himself.

Centre back: Levi Colwill (England)

The chat between Noni Madueke and Levi Colwill when celebrating the England U21s successful campaign did enrage the Chels’ faithful. However the club and the supporters do understand the value this young man could provide and will definitely give him a chance to rectify his actions and win back the lost trust.

Left back: Ian Maatsen (Netherlands)

Maatsen lived up to the expectations and was one of Burnely’s stand out performers last season, playing a major role in the promotion story which also got him inducted into the EFL Championship team of the season.

Ben Chilwell has struggled with long term injuries and Marc Cucurella’s first season at the club has been noting but a nightmare. This perfectly sets up the Dutch left back will try and cement his place in the squad.

Right wing: Noni Madueke (England)

Madueke continued to impress at the U21 European Championship and will hope to use that momentum and enhance his reputation.

Central Midfield: Enzo Fernandez (Argentina)

Chelsea have lost team leaders in N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho, all of them over a single season. Under these circumstances, CFC will rely heavily on last season’s marquee signing – Enzo Fernandez. His first few months at the club have been promising and he will hope to build on it this season.

Central Midfield: Conor Gallagher (England)

The tireless midfielder is often under appreciated by the supporters. But Pochettino’s style of play suits him very well and he might be looking at a starting role this season.

The Pensioners do lack big names in midfield but the likes of Carney Chukwuemeka, Andrey Santos, Cesare Casedei and Lewis Hall can provide quality backup and will be all be hoping to get their chances to impress in preseason.

Left Wing: Raheem Sterling (England)

Sterling has had his moments last season but he’d be the first one to admit that it wasn’t even close to what he is capable of producing. And the Blues hope to see the best of version of the 28 year old asap.

Mykhailo Mudryk on the other hand, underperformed last season but travels to USA following a successful campaign with Ukraine’s U21s and will be expected to use this momentum to his benefit.

Second Striker: Christopher Nkunku (France)

The Chels’ faithful will finally get to watch their man in action after waiting for months. The enormous quality he possesses is evident but there is uncertainty with regards to the role he will be slotting into which will hopefully be resolved before the start of the season.

Centre Forward: Nicholas Jackson (Senegal)

Armando Broja would be preferred up front, but rehabilitation from his long term injury is holding him back. For a no.9, Jackson’s stats are concerning as his shots per 90 are simply poor. The Argentine Coach could look to use him on the left flank or as a second striker.

The squad revamp has caused a lot of uncertainty but this USA tour should be resolving most doubts and bringing clarity as to what we can expect from this squad and areas we need to reinforce.

Which player are you looking forward to the most in this pre season camp?