Photo by Ayush Kumar/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Photo by Ayush Kumar/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Results in pre-season friendlies do not matter, however some of the Chelsea players will need to deliver with their performances against Juventus following defeat to 10-man Tottenham.
There were certainly some positive signs for the Blues in their first test against Premier League opposition under Xabi Alonso, however they ran into familiar problems when facing a low block in the second half.
Since that game the club have remained busy in the transfer market. Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson have joined, while reports have put the Blues far closer to completing the signing of Pep Chavarria.
Player ratings vs Tottenham
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Three Chelsea players under pressure to perform vs Juventus
Chelsea are next in pre-season action against Juventus on Wednesday, and The Chelsea Chronicle have named three players who are under pressure to perform against the Serie A giants in Hong Kong.
Jorrel Hato
Despite performing well against Spurs, Jorrel Hato is under newfound pressure for his place in the side after Chelsea have closed in on the signing of Chavarria.
He spent the 2025/26 season showing he actually performs better as a centre-back, although there is a clear absence in quality at left-back following the departure of Marc Cucurella.
If he can nail down the left-back position, the opportunity for regular minutes this season is there, however he will soon be up against a signing who has been hand-picked by Alonso, and needs to show what he can do against Juventus.
Chelsea FC v Tottenham: Sydney Super Cup
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Nicolas Jackson
After not being involved in the last friendly against Spurs, it is expected that Nicolas Jackson will get his chance to feature for Chelsea for the first time in over a year against Juventus.
He spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich, although Alonso is understood to be open to the prospect of Jackson being a part of his squad.
Competition for places up front are rife with Joao Pedro the obvious favourite to start, under the mentorship of new signing Welbeck.
The Senegal international is likely to not have too many chances to earn his place, and needs to make an instant impact against Juventus.
Chelsea's potential XI for cup games
Chelsea's potential XI for cup games
Romeo Lavia
Frequently, Chelsea fans have asked for Romeo Lavia to provide more, however after a strong performance against Spurs the pressure is on the midfielder to deliver some consistency.
The Belgian’s woeful injury record has left him unable to yet complete 90 minutes for the Blues, and the signing of Henderson will be a light reminder that he will eventually be replaced if he can’t deliver consistently.
Reggie Watson and Dario Essugo have been amongst the surprise top performers in pre-season so far, and Lavia must stick to the levels he showed against Spurs if he is to play a meaningful role next season.