Chelsea (A) 13/08/23 - 16:30 BST

[Doc_Piptorious]

Think barring injuries the only position not nailed down is the LW slot.

[Charly]

Pretty sure Diaz will start. I dont see much improvement from Nunez preseason.I think he might work better coming on

[SB]

I wonder if Cody starts in midfield again instead of Jones? That way we get “ the best 4 strikers “ on the field at the same time with Darwin off the bench

[Buzzo]

My guess is:

Ali

Trent
Ibou
VVD
Robbo

Alexis
Szobozslai
Jones

Salah
Gakpo
Diaz

I think this is our best team with the current availability, with the only real shout being Jota/Diaz. Outside of that we have Thiago and Bajetic challenging for midfield spots.

We do need a good start here as this team has so little experience through the midfield.

[Charly]

We have almost no.options in midfield from the bench at the moment. Its ridiculous we are in this position

[Doc_Piptorious]

We have almost no.options in midfield from the bench at the moment. Its ridiculous we are in this position

As Buzzo said in his post, we have Thiago and Bajcetic available to challenge for spots and think both are back in full training since last Friday or Saturday so both should be ready to be on the bench.

[Mark79]

As Buzzo said in his post, we have Thiago and Bajcetic available to challenge for spots and think both are back in full training since last Friday or Saturday so both should be ready to be on the bench.

Bajcetic and Thiago have been out for 5/6 months respectively and had no pre-season. I’d be amazed if either are ready for the match day squad after 1 week of full training.

[Irishnev]

My guess is:

Ali

Trent
Ibou
VVD
Robbo

Alexis
Szobozslai
Jones

Salah
Gakpo
Diaz

[Fosterbloke]

Embrace the chaos! They've lost one of their key midfielders in Kovacic, and some experience in defence, and of course they've been dealt a blow in losing their new signing for 16 weeks.

Now is a great time to play them. 1-0.

[Harv]

Embrace the chaos! They've lost one of their key midfielders in Kovacic, and some experience in defence, and of course they've been dealt a blow in losing their new signing for 16 weeks.

Now is a great time to play them. 1-0.

Lost Kante + Mount as well

[Fosterbloke]

Lost Kante + Mount as well

And Kavertz! Oh.. no loss there.

[The_weatherman]

I´m kind of expecting Kante to pop against us though, he was usually only available for Liverpool games

[SB]

Ali

TAA Konate VVD Robbo

Szobo Caicedo MacAllister

Mo Cody Diaz

Looks pretty good to me.

[Corndog]

That does look good yes, I think Jota has warnt a Start though, whether that be wise left or centrally.

He’s been excellent in pre season and his pressing is top notch.

[SB]

That does look good yes, I think Jota has warnt a Start though, whether that be wise left or centrally.

He’s been excellent in pre season and his pressing is top notch.

There’s no way Cody misses out so it’s out of Diaz or Jota for wide left. It’s an either or situation for me with no drop off in intensity/ skill set.