Dream Chelsea line-up vs Liverpool after Caicedo signs, Nkunku out, Maatsen shock, Jackson debut

football.london takes an extensive look at Chelsea's 'dream' line-up against Liverpool in the first competitive match since Mauricio Pochettino started his role as head coach

Time is running out for Chelsea to sign Moises Caicedo in time for their Premier League opener against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.

Chelsea, though – for what seems like the 100th time of writing this over the summer – will once again step up their efforts in the coming days as they look to get the situation resolved. Caicedo is desperate to complete the move but will only be able to do so if his employers play ball.

Caicedo missed Brighton's pre-season friendly against Rayo Vallecano as a precaution, but will almost certainly feature at the weekend – whether that is for Chelsea or the Seagulls. If it is for the former, then he could slot in alongside Enzo Fernandez in a double pivot in the 4-2-3-1 formation. If not, then there is every chance it will be youngster Andrey Santos.

Behind them is likely to be Kepa Arrizabalaga. Despite Robert Sanchez being signed from Brighton at the weekend, Kepa may well get the nod in between the posts against Liverpool, despite there still being some concerns over his long-term future at Stamford Bridge.

In front of Kepa, the back-four more or less chooses itself. Reece James is one of the best right-backs in European football when he is fit and well. If Chelsea can keep him fit for a large chunk of the season, then the England international will certainly do his bit in making Mauricio Pochettino's first campaign at the club a successful one.

On the other side, Ben Chilwell could start despite Chelsea's mass amount of options at left-back. Chilwell looks to be the first-choice still and the 26-year-old, like James,