Chelsea kick off their 2023-24 Premier League season against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge. This will be Mauricio Pochettino’s first official game in charge of CFC after the Argentine took over the reins in the summer. We could see a few new faces in the team as the Blues look to begin their season on a positive note after wiping the slate clean following an abysmal last season.
New signing Christopher Nkunku will not be making his official Chelsea debut as the player has been ruled out with for around four months. Wesley Fofana remains another long term absentee after he picked up an ACL injury. Armando Broja and Benoit Badiashile are nearing return but are still not ready for the Liverpool game. Noni Madueke won’t be fit to start against LFC.
The likes of Romelu Lukaku and Hakim Ziyech are expected to not be a part of the team as the West London side look to offload them this summer. Pochettino has extensively used youngsters in pre-season and some players like Carney Chukwuemeka and Andrey Santos could play some part in the game.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Liverpool
Goalkeeper: Kepa Arrizabalaga
CFC signed Robert Sanchez from Brighton for £25 million as Pochettino looked to bring another top keeper to compete with Kepa. Ahead of the Liverpool game, the Argentine manager has iterated that both the keepers will fight for the starting position but at the moment the former Athletic Bilbao keeper is ahead of his compatriot in the preferential list.
Right back: Reece James
Reece James has been handed the captain’s armband by Pochettino as the homegrown player has emerged as one of the best players CFC have in the last few years. Barring any injury issues, James has been omnipresent on the pitch as well as in the dressing room.
Centre back: Thiago Silva
The Brazilian was a towering presence in the Chelsea backline last summer. He was in fact, one of the best players for the Blues and despite his age, Silva continues to sparkle and age like fine wine. He provides the required experience and leadership in the rearguard.
Centre back: Levi Colwill
With Badiashile still not ready to return, Levi Colwill could make his CFC debut. Pochettino has been mightily impressed by Colwill and he could become the bed rock of the Chelsea defence in the years to come.
Left back: Ben Chilwell
Ben Chilwell has been named as the vice captain of the club. The former Leicester City man was one of the better players last season and will be the starting left back for the Blues this season. Chilwell will have the difficult task of taming Mohammed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Central midfield: Enzo Fernandez
Enzo Fernandez is the cornerstone of the Chelsea midfield and the Blues are working hard to bring elite players to complement the 2022 World Cup winner. Fernandez showed his silky skills and exquisite passing qualities last season and Pochettino can hope that the 22 year old will be a crucial player for the Blues in the 2023-24 season.
Central midfield: Conor Gallagher
So far CFC have not signed Moises Caicedo, although they continue to push for him (at the time of writing). Conor Gallagher brings intensity and the work horse attitude to the Chelsea midfield which Pochettino appreciates.
Central midfield: Carney Chukwuemeka
The West London outfit needs to sign midfielders as they are left with bare minimum options in the engine room. Carney Chukwuemeka impressed when he played last season and remains in Pochettino’s plans. This is a huge opportunity for the 19 year old to prove his mettle and give Pochettino a selection headache for the upcoming games.
Right wing: Raheem Sterling
The former Liverpool man will take charge of the right flank and will hope to resume his smooth connection with James on the right side. The former PSG manager counts heavily on the 28 year old and the Englishman must lead from the front in the attack.
Striker: Nicolas Jackson
Nicolas Jackson has surprised many with his excellent performances in the pre-season tour to USA. The Senegalese likes to run behind the defenders and is not a conventional No.9. In a very short amount of time, the 22 year old has formed some connection with his teammates.
Left wing: Mykhailo Mudryk
The Ukrainian winger looks confident and sharp under Pochettino. His stuttering start at Chelsea seems to be behind him and he looks to make a mark in the new season.
Will the Blues start the 2023-24 season on a winning note?