The match is the first competitive fixture overseen by new head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who guided us through an unbeaten pre-season campaign in the United States.

There are four debutants in the starting XI. Sanchez, signed from Brighton, starts in goal and the defence consists of recent arrival Axel Disasi, Thiago Silva, and Levi Colwill. It is our Academy graduate's first senior appearance.

Reece James, named club captain this week, begins at right wing-back. There is a midfield three of Conor Gallagher, Enzo Fernandez and Carney Chukwuemeka. Ben Chilwell is at left wing-back.

After several impressive performances in pre-season, Nicolas Jackson is handed his Chelsea debut this afternoon. He will be partnered in attack by Raheem Sterling.

Chelsea: Sanchez; Disasi, Thiago Silva, Colwill; James, Chukwuemeka, Enzo, Gallagher, Chilwell; Sterling, Jackson

Substitutes: Bergstrom, Cucurella, Gusto, Maatsen, Santos, Ugochukwu, Mudryk, Madueke, Burstow

Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Gakpo, Diaz; Jota

Liverpool substitutes: Kelleher, Gomes, Matip, Tsimikas, Jones, Elliott, Doak, McConnell, Nunez