Chelsea have been handed one of the toughest starts to a Premier League season possible at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Maresca’s life as manager at Stamford Bridge is against familiar opponents, with his former employers Manchester City starting their defence of the title against the Blues.
Chelsea supporters will be excited about what the future holds of the project, with them ending the campaign in a real strong way.
With some new signings already made and more expected, here’s The Chelsea Chronicle’s predicted XI for the opening Premier League game of the season.
Chelsea predicted XI vs Manchester City
The goalkeeper situation remains unsolved at this stage, but we believe Maresca will start the campaign with confidence in Robert Sanchez after his 2024 has been spent mostly on the bench.
Reece James is suspended for the opening games of the season, meaning the opportunity remains for Malo Gusto to show he should be in the conversation for minutes next season.
With Thiago Silva already gone and Trevoh Chalobah still possibly on the move, Axel Disasi will start the campaign at the back.
He will be partnered by Levi Colwill, who it is believed has a future at centre-back rather than left-back as Mauricio Pochettino saw it.
At left-back, Marc Cucurella will look to carry on his very impressive form being shown at Euro 2024.
Midfield
Moises Caicedo proved his worth big time in the second half of the campaign, and will no doubt be a crucial player for the Blues next season.
He will start the season alongside Enzo Fernandez, although there is plenty of competition for places in midfield for next season.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has recently joined the club to partner up with his former manager again, and he will make his debut in the opening game of the season.
Attack
Cole Palmer was easily the player of the season for Chelsea last season, and he will look to make a point against his former side in this one.
On the opposite side, Christopher Nkunku will be hoping he can stamp his authority on the attack with an injury-free campaign.
Down the middle, Nicolas Jackson will keep his place, after what he will no doubt believe was a very strong first season in English football.
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