Mauricio Pochettino: Chelsea Boss Drops Two Major Hints Ahead of PL Opener Against Liverpool

• Chelsea rounded up their pre-season tour of the United States with a 1-1 draw against Borussia Dortmund
• Mauricio Pochettino named a starting 11 he confirmed could start against Liverpool in 10 days
• Fans also had a hint of who their next captain would be, with Reece James and Thiago Silva starting together

Mauricio Pochettino made two key decisions in Chelsea's final game of their US pre-season tour against Borussia Dortmund, which left fans with hints ahead of the new season.

Pochettino named a strong XI against the German club, and both teams held on to each other for most of the tie before Marius Wolf scored from a box 18 scramble after Kepa Arrizabalaga punched a corner out.

Young striker, Mason Burstow, drew Chelsea level in the 89th minute for his first senior goal to end the Blues' pre-season tour unbeaten for the first time since 2012.

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Football

Pochettino drops XI hint

Pochettino confirmed to the media that the starting 11 yesterday could be on the field when the team line up against Liverpool in the season's opening game.

"This was about giving 90 minutes to the team in my head that I plan to play because the season is only 10 days away," he said via Sun Sport.

Many factors could influence the XI's choice, including new signings and injuries, as new winger Christopher Nkunku limped off injured in 20 minutes. Evening Standard reported that Poch did not give full details and only hoped it was not serious.

The Athletic reported that the Blues have agreed to a £25m deal plus add-ons for Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, which could also influence the choice of the team's first-choice goalkeeper.

Fans also got a hint that Reece James has possibly been named the next captain after wearing the armband while Thiago Silva was on the pitch. Both players left the pitch in the 73rd minute for Bashir Humphreys and Malo Gusto.

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James hints he's next captain

Sports Brief reported that Reece James dropped a hint he is the next skipper after uploading a video on social media detailing his journey at the club from the academy days till the point he wore the armband in pre-season.

The academy star lifted the PL Summer Series trophy alongside Silva and yet again shared a message to fans in what could be described as his first as captain.