Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Xabi Alonso will be keen to return to winning ways in Chelsea’s next pre-season game against AC Milan, and we are predicting he will trial a new formation for the game.
Chelsea have lost their last two friendlies to Tottenham and Juventus, although will have been pleased to welcome back some big-name stars, including Moises Caicedo and Mykhailo Mudryk.
Alonso has so far used a 4-2-3-1 system throughout pre-season, however the signing of Pep Chavarria could be the final part of the puzzle to move to a three-at-the-back.
Chelsea player ratings vs Juventus
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Chelsea predicted XI vs AC Milan
We are predicting it will be trialled against Milan, and here’s the XI we think the boss will name to take on the Serie A giants.
With no news of a new goalkeeper, Mike Penders will be given his chance to impress in place of Robert Sanchez.
On the right of a back three, Josh Acheampong will start in what looks on paper to be the position which suits him the best.
Levi Colwill will be tasked with holding down the middle of the back three until new signing Maxence Lacroix joins up with the squad.
Jorrel Hato will make up the back three in the position where he showed the most promise during the 2025/26 season.
The impressive Marco Palestra will get a proper chance to show his attacking credentials with a start in the right wing-back position.
Moises Caicedo will continue his quest to build up fitness ahead of the new season, captaining the side in the absence of Reece James.
He will be partnered by Romeo Lavia, although it remains unlikely that he will complete his first 90 minutes for the club since joining.
At left wing-back, Landon Emenalo will be a placeholder in the attacking role, as the club await the final confirmation of Chavarria joining the Blues.
Chelsea Pre-Season Tour to Hong Kong
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Estevao Willian will be the first of the front three, with the role allowing him to come inside and influence play as the wing-backs attack around them.
He will be joined in that role by a returning Cole Palmer, who missed the last friendly as a precaution after a small injury concern.
Up front, Joao Pedro will return to the number nine role, beating out competition from the likes of Nicolas Jackson, Liam Delap and Danny Welbeck.
Predicted Chelsea XI (3-4-2-1): Penders; Acheampong, Colwill, Hato; Palestra, Caicedo, Lavia, Emenalo; Estevao, Palmer; Pedro