Photo by Peksi Cahyo/Getty Images
Photo by Peksi Cahyo/Getty Images
Chelsea will not have long to savour their 3-0 win over AC Milan before being back in action, and The Chelsea Chronicle have predicted the XI they will start with against Johor Darul Ta’zim.
Xabi Alonso set up his side in a back three against Milan, and after starting tactical work with the squad this week it can be expected they stick to that system going forwards.
While superstars Joao Pedro and Moises Caicedo starred in Indonesia, a different XI will be looking to prove themselves to Alonso in Malaysia.
Chelsea predicted XI vs Johor Darul Ta’zim
The Chelsea Chronicle have predicted the side who will take to the field on Sunday, with 11 changes expected from the starting side against Ruben Amorim’s Milan.
Mike Penders will get his chance to start for the first time for Chelsea, with his ability to play out from the back an area he is stronger than Robert Sanchez.
Tosin Adarabioyo will return to the defence as the elder statesman of the back three, hoping he can still prove he has a role to play at Stamford Bridge.
He will be joined by Mamadou Sarr, who was only on the pitch for a matter of minutes against Milan.
Making up the back three will be academy star Olutayo Subuloye, who has seemed to impress Alonso during the pre-season tour so far.
At right wing-back, we are predicting Geovany Quenda will get the chance to start after impressing greatly in his cameo off the bench.
Chelsea FC Training Session
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
On the opposite side, it will be Aaron Anselmino, who will likely make up a back four out of possession and allow Quenda to attack more often.
16-year-old Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli will start in midfield. He has left a real impact on Alonso during the pre-season tour.
He will be partnered by Dario Essugo, who has impressed in pre-season but still looks destined for a loan move away from the club.
Chelsea FC v AC Milan - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Peksi Cahyo/Getty Images
Estevao Willian will be the key man for the Blues in attack, and feature in one of the two number 10 roles behind the striker.
The other will be filled by Jamie Gittens, who is under pressure to deliver every time he performs due to the presence of Morgan Rogers behind him.
Up front, Liam Delap is in last-chance territory to make his mark at Stamford Bridge, with Dastan Satpaev keen to impress again off the bench.