Early prediction: Chelsea’s starting XI and preview vs. Everton
Chelsea kickstart their Premier League season with a trip to Goodison Park, where Frank Lampard’s Everton lay in wait.
After what was a lacklustre pre-season, the Blues finished strong with a couple of wins against Udinese and Udine, respectively. Thomas Tuchel suggested his squad is not yet ready, but there’s no time to dwell in a league where one match can decide many a fate.
It goes without saying the importance of a win first-up, for the morale and momentum of the squad. It’s unlikely to be on their minds, but Chelsea will be aware of their recent record in the blue half of Merseyside, where they’ve lost the last four matches. With debuts lined up for Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly, the Blues will be boosted.
Everton, meanwhile, have lots to improve on after just escaping relegation last term. They’ve bolstered their squad with the likes of James Tarkowski, Dwight McNeil and Ruben Vinagre.
In their favour is their unbeaten streak on opening match days – they haven’t lost in any of the last 10. They have also kept a clean sheet in five of their last nine PL fixtures against Chelsea.
In a dense squad that oozes talent from back to front, yet feels unsettled, it’ll be interesting to see what shape and personnel Tuchel chooses for the curtain-raiser.
Here, we try to predict Chelsea’s starting XI against the Toffees.
Goalkeeper & Defence
Edouard Mendy, who endured a howler against Udinese that ultimately led to Gerard Deulofeu’s goal, will look to dust it off and protect Chelsea’s goal.
After a shocking performance with a 4-3-3 against Arsenal, we can expect a back three – as Chelsea appear far more comfortable and stout with it. Kalidou Koulibaly is in line for his first competitive appearance in a Blues shirt.
Thiago Silva should slot in the heart of defence, with Trevoh Chalobah manning the right-hand side of the back three. Cesar Azpilicueta’s future hangs in the balance, and Chalobah would be a good fit.
Reece James, undoubtedly, will look to heat up the wide right with his darting runs and threat. His partner-in-crime – Ben Chilwell – has looked far from his best but has displayed an upward trajectory in performance levels since returning. He could start at left wing-back.
Midfield
The central midfield is perhaps Tuchel’s most favourite headache. With N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho all raring to go, it’ll be an interesting one.
Keeping Kante’s fitness in mind, the successful pairing of Kovacic and Jorginho will be a robust, commanding midfield duo.
Following promising displays in the pre-season, we could see the likes of Conor Gallagher, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Billy Gilmour feature off the bench.
Forwards
Regardless of the men who fill the front three, there will be a high degree of interchangeability and flexibility. That’s exactly what Raheem Sterling was acquired for. Fresh legs, not afraid to take on defenders and often, sending them to attack barren tufts of grass – he’s in line for a stellar debut.
Mason Mount is the other pick – Tuchel’s favourite and most consistent forward. The under-fire Kai Havertz, who had a bit of a drought at the back end of last season, will look to finally begin to find consistency in his third full season at Stamford Bridge.
Tuchel could call upon Christian Pulisic and Armando Broja to create a spark if the game’s tied to a deadlock.
-Akarshak Roy
Twitter: @RoyAkarshak