Everton v Chelsea: Predicted Blues line up with three debutants

Chelsea get their season underway as they travel north to face Everton in Saturday’s late kick off at Goodison Park. 

Thomas Tuchel’s side finished third last term and will be hoping to once again secure a top four spot this time around.

The German has been backed in the transfer market, with five new signings through the door so far and plenty of other names being linked with the club.

Here, we take a look at the XI that Tuchel could select for the game against the Toffees.

Goalkeeper

Edouard Mendy has established himself as Tuchel’s first choice ‘keeper over the past 12 months and will start the Blues’ season opener ahead of Kepa Arrizabalaga. The Senegal international kept 14 clean sheets in 34 Premier League matches last term and will be hoping to build on that tally this season.

Mendy remains Chelsea’s first choice ‘keeper

Defenders

Tuchel is likely to hand a debut to new signing Kalidou Koulibaly, who arived from Napoli last month. The defender, an international teammate of Mendy, is likely to start on the left of the Blues’ back three, alongside Thiago Silva. 

The Brazilian is expected to line up in the centre of the backline, with club captain Cesar Azpilicueta likely to be given the nod ahead of Trevoh Chalobah to complete the back three.

Midfielders

Reece James will start as a right wing-back having impressed in pre-season. The England international suffered with injuries last term but will be looking for more consistency this season.

James is useful both in defence and attack

On the left, Marc Cucurella could be in line for a debut just over 24 hours after being unveiled as a Chelsea player. The Spaniard’s arrival looks to have triggered the departure of his fellow countryman Marcos Alonso, and Ben Chilwell is still struggling for fitness. The Englishman also suffered with injuries last season, missing more than five months.

In the middle, Mateo Kovacic could line up alongside N’Golo Kante. The pair have both avoided injury through pre-season and are likely to be given the nod ahead of Jorginho, with Conor Gallagher and Ruben Loftus-Cheek also expected to be on the bench.

Forwards

In attack, a debut for Raheem Sterling is expected, likely on the left of Tuchel’s front three. The former Manchester City man has an outstanding Premier League record and will be looking to mark his debut with a goal. Christian Pulisic may be used off the bench.

Through the middle, Kai Havertz will be given the nod ahead of Armando Broja. The German will be hoping to reach the 20-goal mark this term, while Broja will be used regularly too.

Havertz will head into the new season as Chelsea’s main striker

On the right, Mason Mount could be used slightly out of position. The England international has impressed most when played more centrally, but could find himself out wide more often this season.

Callum Hudson-Odoi and Hakim Ziyech may struggle for chances this season and will be on the bench.

Predicted XI: Mendy; Azpilicueta, Silva, Koulibaly; James, Kovacic, Kante, Cucurella; Mount, Havertz, Sterling