Following the misery of 2022–23, Mauricio Pochettino gave Chelsea a renewed sense of purpose. The Blues have won both of their pre-season games thus far and, for the most part, have looked unrecognizable from the side that looked so desperate for last season to end.
Pochettino's side kicked off the Premier League Summer Series with a 4-3 victory over Brighton. Their next encounter is in Atlanta on Wednesday night against Newcastle.
Here's how Poch could set his Chelsea side up against the Magpies:
Chelsea predicted a lineup vs. Newcastle (4-2-3-1).
GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga: Faith has been placed on the Spaniard, who has certainly enjoyed a resurgence over the past 18 months. Kepa is expected to receive the lion's share of minutes throughout the preseason.
RB: Malo Gusto: With Reece James uncertain due to illness, Gusto is poised to earn another pre-season start. James' availability woes mean the young Frenchman could emerge as an underrated asset next season.
CB: Thiago Silva There was some doubt over how substantial a role the Brazilian would play for Poch's Blues, but injuries in defense suggest the veteran center-back will remain a prominent figure.
CB: Trevoh Chalobah; Levi Colwill was excellent against Brighton despite giving away a penalty. However, Poch is expected to rotate at the heart of the defense, with Chalobah returning to the fold.
LB: Lewis Hall - Pochettino always appreciates youth, and Hall showed plenty of potential in difficult circumstances last season. There are several left-back options for the manager to choose from, but he may opt for the youngster.
CM: Enzo Fernandez - The club's blockbuster mid-season arrival showcased his majestic talent during the second half of last season and is bound to play a key role for the Blues for years to come.
CM: Conor Gallagher - Chelsea's willingness to part ways with Gallagher is certainly strange given their current lack of senior midfield options. The England international is a player who is regarded highly by other clubs but not by his own.
RM: Raheem Sterling: The England international is adept on both flanks and was used off the right against the Seagulls. Poch could opt for Diego Moreira's inexperience, but Sterling will likely retain his place.
AM: Carney Chukwuemeka - The young playmaker impressed for the Blues this summer, and while there are numerous options for the #10 role, Carney deserves to retain his status as the beating heart of Poch's setup.
LM: Mykhailo Mudryk Yes, it was only pre-season, but was that sequence the one Mudryk desperately needed to ignite his Chelsea career? Surely he'll get the chance to build on that momentum against Newcastle in Atlanta.
ST: Nicolas Jackson - The former Villarreal striker has made an early impression for his new club, starring off the bench last time out. Like Mudryk, Jackson deserves a start after his showing against Brighton.
