Chelsea predicted lineup vs Real Sociedad as £168m duo finally arrive
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Real Sociedad could offer the first proper glimpse of Xabi Alonso’s strongest side after Morgan Rogers and Maxence Lacroix finally joined the group at Cobham. The £117million Rogers and £51million Lacroix have cost a combined £168m, and their arrival gives Alonso several major decisions before Saturday’s final pre-season friendly.
Chelsea have spent much of the summer working without several players who went deep into the World Cup. Rogers had not trained with his new team-mates before Tuesday, while Reece James and Enzo Fernandez were also among those returning from extended breaks.
ReadChelsea highlighted earlier this week how Alonso was finally preparing to work with his complete Chelsea squad. That has now happened, leaving Saturday’s meeting with Real Sociedad as the final opportunity to experiment before the Premier League begins.
Predicted XI: Sanchez; Lacroix, Colwill, Fofana; James, Caicedo, Fernandez, Barco; Palmer, Rogers; Joao Pedro.
Lacroix immediately changes the picture at the back. Chelsea paid around £51m to bring the France international from Crystal Palace, adding pace and Premier League experience to a defence Alonso wants to play higher up the pitch.
James could operate on the right, although Marco Palestra has made a strong case during pre-season. On the opposite side, Valentin Barco gives Alonso another natural option following Marc Cucurella’s departure.
The midfield partnership of Moises Caicedo and Fernandez remains difficult to look beyond when both are available. Fernandez has only just returned to training, however, so Alonso may be cautious with his minutes on Saturday.
It is further forward where Chelsea suddenly become particularly interesting.
Rogers and Palmer could transform Chelsea attack
Alonso has already explained that he sees Rogers operating in the pockets close to the striker and Chelsea’s No.10, while also possessing the flexibility to attack from either side. The head coach specifically believes Rogers can build a strong connection with Palmer.
Palmer has echoed that optimism. He described Rogers as more physical and direct, while viewing himself as the player more likely to connect attacks through passing. Alonso sees Palmer primarily as a No.10.
That makes a Palmer-Rogers combination behind Joao Pedro perhaps the most intriguing possibility in Alonso’s squad.
Chelsea would have two players capable of receiving between the lines, carrying the ball and exchanging positions behind a mobile centre-forward. Rogers also offers the physical running power that can complement Palmer rather than forcing the pair into identical roles.
There is no guarantee Saturday will produce Chelsea’s strongest XI from the start. Rogers, Lacroix, James and Fernandez have only just returned to full training and Alonso has little reason to overload them in a friendly.
But Real Sociedad should finally show supporters what the options look like when almost everyone is available.
After an unusual pre-season spent assembling the squad in stages, Alonso can finally begin putting the pieces together.
dave.sport is in beta
We are building a new home for independent sports coverage. dave.sport is currently in beta, with new features and publisher tools rolling out as we test what fans need most.
Explore the beta
Chelsea vs Johor: Starting lineup and confirmed team news
Chelsea vs Johor: Starting lineup and confirmed team news
Chelsea v Johor: Predicted line-up, injury news and how to watch
Chelsea v Johor: Predicted line-up, injury news and how to watch