Chelsea will begin their new Premier League campaign on Saturday with a trip to Goodison Park to face Everton.
The Pensioners, who finished third last term, will be locking horns with their former player and manager Frank Lampard in Merseyside as they look to start the new campaign with a win.
There are some new faces in the squad, including two major signings in Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly, as well as young midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka who arrived from Aston Villa earlier this week.
Chelsea Team News
Chelsea forwards Timo Werner and Armando Broja will be assessed for minor injuries. Thomas Tuchel indicated in his presser that Ben Chilwell would not be starting games right away after his lengthy injury absence.
Meanwhile, the Blues have confirmed the signing of Marc Cucurella in a deal in excess of £60million from Brighton on Friday. Cucurella, however, will not be with the travelling squad to face Everton.
Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Brighton (3-4-2-1)
Goalkeeper
Edouard Mendy is Chelsea’s undisputed No.1 and he will be hoping for another solid season between the sticks.
Defence
Ahead of Mendy, Tuchel could name a back three of Cesar Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva and Kalidou Koulibaly against Everton. All three experienced campaigners will have to defend very well to keep the hosts at bay at the weekend.
Midfield
Reece James will look to cause the opposition problems with his speed, overlapping runs and crossing ability. He is nailed on to start at right wing-back, with Marcos Alonso getting the nod ahead of Ben Chilwell to impress at left wing-back.
Predicted Chelsea Lineup vs Everton
In the middle of the park, N’Golo Kante will likely partner Jorginho. Kante and Jorginho will look to keep things tight and ticking in midfield, giving the forwards a strong platform to create openings in the final third.
Mateo Kovacic and Conor Gallagher will be available from the bench and could be called upon if required to add more solidity in the Blues engine room.
Attack
Raheem Sterling could spearhead Chelsea’s attack against the Toffees. The England international can cause a lot of problems to the opposition backline with his pace, movement and link-up play. Tuchel will be inclined to use Sterling up top despite the availability of Armando Broja.
Mason Mount and Kai Havertz are the likeliest choices in the two No.10 roles behind the main striker. Tuchel will hope the creativity and interchanging of Mount, Havertz and Sterling give Chelsea’s attack the fluidity to unlock the Everton door.
If passed fit, Timo Werner could join Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic on the bench.