How Chelsea could line up against Everton in Premier League opener with Raheem Sterling and Koulibaly handed debuts

RAHEEM STERLING and Kalidou Koulibaly could make their debuts as Chelsea begin their Premier League campaign against Everton.

Thomas Tuchel takes his side to Merseyside in Saturday’s evening kick-off hoping to start the season with a win.

To do so Chelsea will have to end a run of five games without a win at Goodison Park – a record that stretches back to 2017.

Sterling could help inspire his new team to victory with the England star likely to start in attack alongside Mason Mount and Kai Havertz.

Despite being linked with several stars this summer Sterling is only one of three signings along with Koulibaly and Carney Chukwuemeka.

The former Napoli defender is set to make his debut but there will be a familiar feel amongst the Chelsea line-up with Tuchel’s only real dilemma in midfield.

Mateo Kovacic performed well last season and could start alongside N’Golo Kante, which would mean Jorginho dropping to the bench next to new midfielder Chukwuemeka.

Tuchel also has options in defence but will likely pick the dependable Thiago Silva and captain Cesar Azpilicueta, who has snubbed a move to Barcelona and instead signed a two-year deal.

In other good news Ben Chilwell is set to return to the side for his first Premier League appearance since playing in a 3-0 win over Leicester in late November.

The left wing-back tore his ACL against Juventus and has been on the road to recovery ever since, undergoing surgery just before the new year.