Chelsea will take on Liverpool on the opening weekend of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Mauricio Pochettino will go head-to-head with Jurgen Klopp in his first competitive match as Blues head coach in under a month.
The Reds present a stern opening test for Pochettino but one the Argentine will surely relish as he looks to make a statement to the rest of the Premier League upon his return to England.
By the time Chelsea and Liverpool kick off on August 13, the two clubs’ squads could look vastly different to what they are now.
Before that, though, we have about four weeks of the transfer window and Chelsea’s squad could look very different to what it is now by the time Liverpool come to town.
So, with that being said, football. london takes a look at what Chelsea’s dream squad could look like for their opening weekend showdown with Liverpool in west London.
Goalkeepers: Giorgi Mamardashvili, Kepa Arrizabalaga
Chelsea watched Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili towards the end of last season and were impressed with what they witnessed from the Georgia international, football.london understands.
The Blues are on the lookout for a new goalkeeper and if one is signed, they would be willing to sell Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Defenders: Thiago Silva, Wesley Fofana, Reece James, Ben Chilwell, Malo Gusto, Levi Colwill, Trevoh Chalobah
Chelsea have so many defenders and while they are not expected to make any signings in defence, there will be one new face in Malo Gusto with the right-back arriving after being signed in the January transfer window.
Gusto will hopefully be able to provide some support and competition to Reece James given the England international’s consistent injury problems in recent seasons.
Benoît Badiashile is out with a long-term injury and while football.london understands the Frenchman is targeting a return in pre-season, the match against Liverpool might be too soon.
Chelsea, though are well equipped at the back with Levi Colwill, Thiago Silva, Wesley Fofana and Ben Chilwell all there for Pochettino to choose from.
Midfielders: Enzo Fernandez, Carney Chukwuemeka, Rayan Cherki, Moises Caicedo, Conor Gallagher
So far this summer, Chelsea have offloaded N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Mason Mount. The club’s pursuit of Moises Caicedo is ongoing.
Chelsea and Brighton are locked in talks over a possible deal for the Ecuador international.
football.london understands Chelsea believe they can strike a deal for under £100million but thus far, no breakthrough has been made with the Seagulls.
Forwards: Christopher Nkunku, Raheem Sterling, Noni Madueke, Mykhailo Mudryk, Armando Broja, Nicolas Jackson
Chelsea have brought in Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku so far this summer. It remains to be seen what sort of role Jackson will have in the squad and it is equally fascinating what position Nkunku will be used in, given his versatility in attack.
Hakim Ziyech and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are both expected to complete permanent transfers away, while Armando Broja is targeting a return from his serious knee injury in pre-season….READFULL
