For the second consecutive season, a manager will be taking charge of their first competitive game for the club in the curtain raiser for the Premier League.
It is only a matter of time before Enzo Maresca is announced as the new manager at Stamford Bridge, after Mauricio Pochettino was sacked at the end of last season.
Those who watched the Championship last season will be more than aware with how his side tends to set up, and what Chelsea fans can expect to see.
While the opponent is not yet known, here’s The Chelsea Chronicle’s predicted XI for the first game under Maresca in the Premier League.
Chelsea predicted XI for first Enzo Maresca game
Goalkeeper is a position that is extremely important in the new manager’s way of thinking, and he has already been full of praise for current number one Djordje Petrovic. However, we are predicting that the club take a risk on Filip Jorgensen from Villarrael.
If all things go well, club captain Reece James will be entering the season with a clean bill of health, after his return to fitness was stopped in it’s tracks by a silly red card late last season.
The right central defensive role will be filled by Axel Disasi, with Thiago Silva and perhaps Trevoh Chalobah on the move.
He will be partnered by Levi Colwill, who endured a rough end to the campaign due to injuries.
At left-back, Marc Cucurella will continue for now to see if his purple patch at the end of the season was actually a true reflection of his abilities.
Midfield
At the base of the midfield will be Enzo Fernandez. It has already been claimed that Maresca has a plan to get the best out of him in the coming season.
Moises Caicedo will be looking to play a crucial role in the side too, and his turn in form at the end of the campaign is a good indicator that he can kick on too.
Slightly ahead will be Cole Palmer, playing in a free number 10 role that many believe saw him play his best football in for Chelsea.
Attack
Christopher Nkunku hardly got a kick last season, however he will be the player trusted with featuring on the left of a narrow front three.
Down the middle, Nicolas Jackson will continue in the absence of another top striker being brought in.
On the opposite flank, it will be the big signing of the summer, who we are predciting will be Michael Olise from Crystal Palace.