Photo by Peksi Cahyo/Getty Images
Photo by Peksi Cahyo/Getty Images
Xabi Alonso has named his Chelsea side for their return to Stamford Bridge, and their final pre-season friendly against Real Sociedad.
New signings Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix and Pep Chavarria have their first chance to feature for their new club, whilst some of their World Cup stars are also set to return.
Reece James is amongst those who have been training, alongside Enzo Fernandez despite talk of him leaving the club and joining Manchester City.
Chelsea FC v AC Milan - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Peksi Cahyo/Getty Images
Confirmed Chelsea XI vs Real Sociedad
This is the players’ last chance to make an impact on Alonso before the Premier League campaign kicks off, and here’s the XI that will get their opportunity against Sociedad.
This is likely the closest side which Chelsea fans have seen during pre-season to the one that will take on Fulham at Craven Cottage on the opening weekend of the season.
Joao Pedro has been in red-hot form during the tours of Australia and Asia, and will be looking for more goals against La Liga opposition.
On a day where Pedro Neto has reportedly agreed terms to join Al Hilal, he starts again, seemingly in the wing-back position.
Cole Palmer will be looking to strike up an instant relationship with Rogers, with the two being great friends off the pitch from their time at Manchester City.