How Chelsea will line up in 2023-24
Cameron Smith
- Updated: 8 Aug 2023 13:51 BST
- 6 min read
Mauricio Pochettino enjoyed a very successful first pre-season at Chelsea, with the Blues emerging victorious in the inaugural Premier League Summer Series.
The west London club’s summer rebuild has also occurred quickly and without many major hiccups, although the pursuit of Brighton & Hove Albion’s Moises Caicedo is dragging on far longer than Pochettino or the Chelsea board would like.
However, the club have successfully trimmed down their bloated squad with the departures of over 30 players in the senior squad and academy team combined, while Romelu Lukaku, Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi are expected to leave before the window ends too.
MORE: Premier League 2023/24 summer transfers: All the Done Deals
But, Pochettino is still fairly thin in central midfield, while Christopher Nkunku’s knee injury - which he suffered on a poor pitch against Borussia Dortmund - has ruled him out of action until December at least.
It means that Chelsea will be without their big-name summer signing for the first few months of the new campaign and could force them into an unnecessary panic buy in the transfer window.
With several new faces in the squad, and some new injury concerns, how will Pochettino set up at Stamford Bridge?
MORE: Chelsea squad numbers revealed: Lukaku EXCLUDED, Mudryk handed No.10
Attack
Summer signing Nicolas Jackson was expected to lead the line before Nkunku’s injury, with the Frenchman comfortable slightly deeper or on the left, but with the former RB Leipzig star now ruled out, it’s clear that Jackson will be Chelsea’s starting striker.
A shrewd €37 million addition from Villarreal, Jackson was one of the key bright sparks in pre-season, with his link-up play and pace in behind causing equal problems for opposition defences.
… Nic Jackson! 💙 pic.twitter.com/IRFcrXnXf6
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 30, 2023
With his ability to drop deep or stretch play in behind, he is set to be an incredibly useful asset for Pochettino.
Mykhailo Mudryk, Chelsea’s new No.10, is likely to start on the left flank following his January move. The Ukraine international struggled during his first six months in England, but looked revitalised in pre-season and produced a wonderful finish against Brighton after some excellent link-up with Jackson. Their relationship could be key.
Raheem Sterling, who has now taken the No.7 shirt, will be Pochettino’s favoured right winger. Noni Madueke is still returning to full fitness, while Ian Maatsen is unlikely to be given a starting role despite his form.
Sterling was noticeably poor in possession during Chelsea’s pre-season friendlies, but his work off the ball was excellent, which will have impressed Pochettino.
Midfield
With Nkunku injured, Carney Chukwuemeka is set to be handed a starring role in the attacking midfield role. The Englishman’s skillset suits a deeper role slightly better, but he was a pivotal link player between midfield and attack in the USA.
Behind him will be Enzo Fernandez and Conor Gallagher in the double pivot.
Enzo, Chelsea’s new No.8, has displayed his quality since arriving from Benfica in January, but still needs a more defensive presence next to him in order to show his best qualities - most of which come in the final third.
Gallagher isn’t that player, but he looked good in a reserved role in pre-season, although he was still given licence to show off his pressing capabilities.
Defence
Kepa Arrizbalaga will start the campaign as Chelsea’s number one and the challenge for new signing Robert Sanchez will be to usurp his countryman for a place in the starting XI.
Ben Chilwell is clearly Pochettino’s first choice left-back, with Maatsen being used further forward, Lewis Hall set to join Crystal Palace on loan and Marc Cucurella not favoured.
On the opposite flank it’s slightly less obvious, however, thanks to Malo Gusto’s impressive pre-season outings. Reece James will start the campaign at Pochettino’s number one right-back, one would imagine, but Gusto will push him close.
Thiago Silva and Levi Colwill are likely to be the starting centre-back pair, but Trevoh Chalobah and Axel Disasi will be waiting in the wings, as will Benoit Badiashile when he returns from his slight injury.
