Pochettino trusts 20-year-old to start: Chelsea’s predicted XI for first pre-season friendly of 2023
Chelsea supporters will get the first look at their new side tomorrow night as they prepare to take on League 2 side Wrexham.
The fixture will be the first time Mauricio Pochettino gets a look at his new players in a match format, after a couple of weeks training with the squad.
Injuries are already threatening to play a part in his preparation, whilst some new signings are taking longer than others to come through the door.
Here’s our predicted side to start the first Florida Cup fixture tomorrow night.
GK and Defence
With Edouard Mendy gone, there is no current competition for Kepa Arrizabalaga between the sticks for the foreseeable future.
It will be a back four for Pochettino if reports are to be believed, and 20-year-old Malo Gusto will be given his first chance to impress in place of the ill Reece James.
Thiago Silva may be about to enter his final season at the club, but his experience will be crucial as he starts the game tomorrow.
Alongside him, Trevoh Chalobah will be preferred to Levi Colwill, having just joined up with the travelling squad.
At left-back, Ben Chilwell will hold of competition from Marc Cucurella and Ian Maatsen for the start.
Midfield
Conor Gallagher is reportedly a favourite of Pochettino, and he will start Wednesday night’s game.
With Moises Caicedo still not through the door, Carney Chukwuemeka will fulfil the role next to the England international.
The game will be the first opportunity for Enzo Fernandez to play slightly further forward, with everyone keen to see how he plays in that role.
Attack
Christopher Nkunku will make his debut for the club as part of a dynamic front three.
Raheem Sterling is surely set for a big campaign, and he will be trusted with the start too.
Up front, it will be another debut for new signing Nicolas Jackson, who is looking to convince he can start next season up top.
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