Debuts are anticipated as Xabi Alonso takes charge of Chelsea in their first public pre-season friendly of the summer, facing Western Sydney Wanderers in Australia today. The Blues have won two behind-closed-doors friendlies already but now play under fan and media scrutiny.
Chelsea are believed to have employed a 4-2-3-1 system in those matches, and Alonso is expected to use the same formation here. Several players are in line for debuts, notably summer signing Marco Palestra. Emanuel Emegha and Geovany Quenda might have hoped for similar but remained in London after picking up knocks.
Expected Lineup and Key Players
Alonso has brought enough players to field a unique XI in each half and will likely blend youth and experience. Jorrel Hato is expected to start at left-back, with Palestra on the opposite flank. Levi Colwill is set for minutes after missing most of last season with an ACL injury, while Aaron Anselmino is due a try-out after impressive loan spells at Borussia Dortmund and Strasbourg.
Romeo Lavia, in a similar position to Colwill, could benefit from game time. Reggie Walsh has impressed Alonso in training and is due a chance, though Dario Essugo may be preferred in defensive midfield. Jamie Gittens, who missed long stretches with a hamstring problem, has impressed in behind-closed-doors matches and will hope to continue his goalscoring form at Accor Stadium. Estevao has returned and will start opposite Gittens.
Attack and Missing Players
Cole Palmer will line up as the No.10, with Joao Pedro up front. Highly-rated Kazakh striker Dastan Satpayev, who arrived this summer, will hope for a chance, as will Omari Kellyman and other youngsters. British-record signing Morgan Rogers has yet to join the squad, nor have most players who featured at the World Cup, including Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, and Pedro Neto.
Chelsea predicted XI vs Western Sydney Wanderers (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Hato, Colwill, Anselmino, Palestra; Lavia, Walsh; Gittens, Palmer, Estevao; Joao Pedro. Injured: Emegha, Quenda. Time and date: 10.45am BST on Tuesday, July 28. Venue: Accor Stadium.
