BRUNO SALTOR has named his first Chelsea team as interim manager ahead of their clash with Liverpool on Tuesday evening.
The Brighton legend, 42, will take charge of the Blues at Stamford Bridge just two days after Graham Potter was sacked.
And he will attempt to earn Chelsea their first win in three Premier League games following a 2-2 draw with Everton and 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa.
Here is Saltor’s first ever line-up as a head coach…
Chelsea XI: Kepa; James, Fofana, Koulibaly, Cucurella, Chilwell; Fernandez, Kante, Kovacic; Felix, Havertz.
Subs: Mendy, Badiashile, Gallagher, Loftus-Cheek, Mount, Madueke, Mudryk, Pulisic, Sterling.
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Speaking about his selection, Saltor said: “It’s the best team we can have today. We have a lot of people in the team to help the selection process, we did it together [not including Potter].
“There is a lot of personality, a lot of games for Chelsea and international experience. We need players who are able to handle the pressure.”
The return of N’Golo Kante, 32, from injury is a huge boost for Chelsea as he makes his first Premier League start since August.
And Blues supporters were buzzing to see the Frenchman back in their midfield – while he has also been handed the captain’s armband.
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One said: “Enzo, Kovacic and Kante start. We’re gonna see the deadly trio 😍.”
Another added: “Wow, midfield of Enzo, Kovacic and Kante! Bruno gets it…”
And a third replied: “Enzo Fernandez and N’golo Kante starting together for the first time, I’m well and truly alive.”
Bruno’s two changes from the loss to Villa are to drop Mykhailo Mudryk and Ruben Loftus-Cheek for Kante and Wesley Fofana.
Saltor admitted during Monday’s pre-match press conference that he has never selected a starting line-up during his coaching career.
He said: “Tomorrow is going to be the first time [I pick a team].
“I have been coaching for four years and have been coaching under Graham [Potter].
“Obviously, he has been the manager and he always had the last word. It’s quite clear that it’s not been the case.
“I feel good. It is my duty. A duty and a responsibility. I am at a really important club and I want to try my best.”
Meanwhile, Liverpool are without Virgil van Dijk for the trip to West London, while Mo Salah drops to the bench.
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Gomez, Konate, Matip, Tsimikas; Fabinho, Henderson, Jones; Nunez, Firmino, Jota.
Subs: Milner, Salah, Gakpo, Robertson, Carvalho, Melo, Phillips, Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold.
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Jurgen Klopp’s men are looking to bounce back following a 4-1 defeat to Manchester City on Saturday.
They sit eight in the Premier League table, five points ahead of Chelsea in 11th.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
