Chelsea predicted XI vs AC Milan as Alonso makes Quenda decision
Chelsea continue their pre-season preparations against AC Milan in Jakarta on Saturday, with Xabi Alonso facing an intriguing decision over Geovany Quenda.
The Chelsea predicted XI vs AC Milan could feature significant rotation following Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat against Juventus. Quenda impressed on his first Chelsea start, while Estevao also provided attacking threat after coming on.
Alonso must now decide whether to give Quenda another opportunity or save the 19-year-old for Chelsea’s final Asian-tour fixture less than 24 hours later.
Chelsea predicted XI vs AC Milan could see Estevao start
Quenda was one of the brighter performers against Juventus.
The Portugal Under-21 international started on the right and linked effectively with Marco Palestra, while his pressing and defensive work also stood out. His performance provided an encouraging first look at how Alonso intends to use him after his delayed arrival on tour.
Chelsea face Johor Darul Ta’zim in Malaysia on Sunday, only one day after meeting Milan in Jakarta. ReadChelsea previously highlighted how the back-to-back fixtures would force Alonso to split his squad and carefully manage workloads.
That could open the door for Estevao to start from the right against Milan, with Quenda then given another significant role against Johor.
Mike Penders also deserves an opportunity in goal after joining the squad during the Asian leg of the tour.
Mudryk minutes should continue to increase
Josh Acheampong, Levi Colwill, Mamadou Sarr and Jorrel Hato could form a much-changed defence.
Colwill missed the Juventus game, while Acheampong and Sarr were not part of the starting back four. Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo should also receive further midfield minutes after Moises Caicedo started against Juventus.
Cole Palmer could return in the No.10 role if he resumes full training, with Pedro Neto operating from the left.
Nicolas Jackson is our choice through the middle. The striker played only 35 minutes against Juventus after coming on at half-time, leaving him well placed for a longer run against Milan.
Mykhailo Mudryk should remain an option from the bench rather than immediately starting. The winger made his first Chelsea appearance in around 20 months on Wednesday, with Alonso giving him a short cameo following his return to football. Reuters reports that Alonso viewed Mudryk’s return as an important step beyond simply gaining match minutes.
Chelsea’s official schedule confirms the Milan game takes place at GBK Stadium in Jakarta on Saturday 8 August at 7pm local time. The club also confirms the Johor fixture follows the next evening.
That unusual turnaround means Alonso is unlikely to treat either game as a conventional friendly.
For Quenda, the question is no longer whether he can make an impression. His Juventus performance did that.
The decision now is how quickly Alonso wants to push him.
Predicted Chelsea XI vs AC Milan
Penders; Acheampong, Colwill, Mamadou Sarr, Hato; Lavia, Essugo; Estevao, Palmer, Neto; Jackson.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
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