Chelsea vs Liverpool: Pochettino era begins at Stamford Bridge as Blues seek to add to Klopp’s woes in Premier League opener

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FOOTBALL Chelsea vs Liverpool: Pochettino era begins at Stamford Bridge as Blues seek to add to Klopp’s woes in Premier League opener

Joel Omotto 10:12 - 13.08.2023

Chelsea are hoping to put behind the struggles of last season by collecting maximum points against the Reds who are light following key midfield departures

After disappointing campaigns last time around, both Chelsea and Liverpool will be hoping for better as they meet on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.

The Mauricio Pochettino era begins for Chelsea as the former Tottenham and PSG manager sets about transforming a squad that finished in the bottom half.

Another slightly scattergun summer leaves Pochettino with plenty of options at his disposal, but forging a winning side quickly may be tough, particularly after the injury to Christopher Nkunku.

Liverpool’s investment has been more targeted, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister brought in to refresh the midfield.

Team news

Chelsea have confirmed that Christopher Nkunku will be out for “an extended period” after undergoing knee surgery. Mauricio Pochettino continues to chase midfield reinforcements, but centre-half Axel Disasi has been secured to provide the manager with another defensive option. Reece James has been appointed as captain.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are also said to still be in the mix for another high-price midfield recruit despite adding Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, who could make competitive Liverpool debuts at Stamford Bridge. Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic continue to work their way back from injury lay-offs and may be absent.

When and where to watch

Chelsea vs Liverpool will kick-off at 6.30pm Kenyan time at Stamford Bridge in London. Viewers in Kenya and East Africa can watch the match live on SuperSport TV.

Predicted line-ups

Chelsea XI: Kepa; James, Silva, Colwill, Chilwell; Gallagher, Fernandez; Sterling, Chukwuemeka, Mudryk; Jackson.

Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Gakpo; Salah, Nunez, Jota.