How Chelsea could lineup for Mauricio Pochettino’s first Premier League game against Liverpool

While Chelsea’s ownership changed hands in May 2022, with Roman Abramovich forced to sell the club to American businessman Todd Boehly after having his assets frozen by the British government due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, that hasn’t put an end to the infamous managerial merry-go-round at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are already on their fourth manager in the short period the LA Dodgers chief has been running the West London side, as Mauricio Pochettino has been drafted in to try and get the Blues back on track after a horrid season last year that saw Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and interim boss Frank Lampard all fail to steady the ship.

The former Tottenham Hotspur boss has had a busy summer as Chelsea continue their transition, with plenty of deadwood shifted, several fresh faces brought in and potentially even more signings to come before the end of the window.

There will be a lot of pressure on Pochettino after last season’s shortcomings, but he won’t have any time to ease into his new role as the Blues kick things off by hosting Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on the opening weekend of the 2023-24 Premier League campaign.

The pair have drawn their last six outings across all competitions, but the Reds are the slight favourites to win this tie in the Chelsea v Liverpool betting. Pochettino will have his work cut out if he wants to get off to a winning start at the Bridge and how he sets up for his first game in charge could be the difference.

The first notable change set to be implemented is a restructure to the formation. Chelsea have regularly played with three central defenders since the days of Antonio Conte, but Pochettino prefers a back four with two holding midfielders and has set up in 4-2-3-1 in all of his pre-season games to date.

While Edouard Mendy has been sold to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli after falling out of favour last season, faith has been kept in Kepa Arrizabalaga and Pochettino has entrusted the Spaniard to be Chelsea’s No.1 again. There is talk of Roberto Sanchez coming in from Brighton, but he’ll surely play backup to his fellow countryman.

In defence, England duo Reece James and Ben Chilwell will likely play in full-back positions and Pochettino will be hoping to keep them fit as their injury issues have really hut Chelsea in recent seasons. Veteran Thiago Silva should keep his place in the centre, but who lines up alongside him is the big question.

Trevoh Chalobah racked up the minutes in pre-season, but Axel Disasi has since arrived from Monaco for £38m and he could partner Silva at the back. That could spell the end for Chalobah’s time at Chelsea, as numerous clubs are interested in his services, but that’s a story for a different day.

Going off the midfielders currently at Pochettino’s disposal, Conor Gallagher and Enzo Fernandez seem the most sensible options to operate in the holding positions. Carney Chukwuemeka is another player who has a lot of minutes in pre-season and he could play just behind the striker after clearly impressing his new boss, with potentially Raheem Sterling and summer signing Christopher Nkunku on the wings.

Nicolas Jackson has made a good account of himself in pre-season and will feel like he’s done enough to earn a start against Liverpool, but there’s also a chance Nkunku could operate as the lone forward and someone like Noni Madueke or Mykhailo Mudryk could come in on the flank.