Predicted Chelsea XI for Dortmund friendly: Santos starts in 4-2-3-1

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 26: Players of Chelsea line up for a team photo prior to the Premier League Summer Series match between Chelsea FC and Newcastle United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on July 26, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images for Premier League)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 26: Players of Chelsea line up for a team photo prior to the Premier League Summer Series match between Chelsea FC and Newcastle United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on July 26, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images for Premier League)
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LANDOVER, MARYLAND – JULY 30: Willian of Fulham is challenged by Carney Chukwuemeka of Chelsea during the Premier League Summer Series match between Chelsea FC and Fulham FC at FedExField on July 30, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – JULY 30: Willian of Fulham is challenged by Carney Chukwuemeka of Chelsea during the Premier League Summer Series match between Chelsea FC and Fulham FC at FedExField on July 30, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Central Midfield: Enzo Fernandez (Argentina)

With likes of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson up top, Fernandez has become all the more valuable. His vision and ability on the ball is elite and Pochettino will try and make the most out of it this season.

Central Midfield: Andrey Santos (Brazil)

Nathan Gissing reports,

"“Andrey Santos is set to stay at Chelsea, while Cesare Casadei will be available to depart on loan.”"

And after his bright performance against Fulham, everyone at the club knows that he is ready for the challenge and would would provide solid backup to our midfield.

Central Attacking Midfield: Carney Chukwuemeka (England)

With Chelsea considering the likes of Mohammed Kudus/Michael Olise to play in this role, Chukwuemaka’s role and near future at the club seems uncertain. However he looked sharp in the last game and deserves another chance before the final call is made.