Following the misery of 2022/23, the arrival of Mauricio Pochettino has quickly imbued Chelsea with a renewed purpose.
The Blues have won both of their pre-season games thus far and, for the most part, have looked unrecognisable from the side that looked so desperate for last season to end.
Pochettino’s side kicked off the Premier League Summer Series with a 4-3 victory over Brighton with their next encounter taking place in Atlanta on Wednesday night against Newcastle.
Here’s how Poch could set his Chelsea side up against the Magpies.
GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga – Faith has been placed in the Spaniard, who has certainly enjoyed a resurgence over the past 18 months. Kepa’s expected to earn the lion share of minutes throughout pre-season.
RB: Malo Gusto – With Reece James a doubt due to illness, Gusto is poised to earn another pre-season start. James’ availability woes means the young Frenchman could emerge as an underrated asset next season.
CB: Thiago Silva – There was some doubt over just how big a role the Brazilian will play for Poch’s Blues, but injuries in defence suggests the veteran centre-back will remain a prominent figure.
CB: Trevoh Chalobah – Levi Colwill was excellent against Brighton despite giving away a penalty, but Poch is expected to rotate at the heart of defence with Chalobah returning to the fold.
LB: Lewis Hall – The exuberance of youth has always been appreciated by Pochettino, and Hall showed plenty of potential in difficult circumstances last season. There are several left-back options for the manager to choose from, but he may well opt for the youngster.
CM: Enzo Fernandez – The club’s blockbuster mid-season arrival showcased his majestic talent during the second half of last season and is bound to play a key role for the Blues for years to come.
CM: Conor Gallagher – Chelsea’s willingness to part ways with Gallagher is certainly strange given their current lack of senior midfield options. The England international is a player seemingly valued highly by other clubs, but not so much his own.
RM: Raheem Sterling – The England international is adept off both flanks and was used off the right against the Seagulls. Poch could opt for the inexperience of Diego Moreira, but Sterling will likely retain his place.
AM: Carney Chukwuemeka – The young playmaker is another who’s impressed for the Blues this summer, and while there are numerous options for the #10 role, Carney deserves to retain his status as the beating heart of Poch’s set-up.
LM: Mykhailo Mudryk – Yes, it was only pre-season, but was that sequence the one Mudryk so desperately needed to ignite his Chelsea career? Surely he’ll get the chance to build on that momentum against Newcastle in Atlanta.
ST: Nicolas Jackson – The former Villarreal striker has made an early impression for his new club, starring off the bench last time out. Like Mudryk, Jackson deserves a start off the back of his showing against Brighton.
