Chelsea kick off their short but crucial preseason schedule on Friday night with a glamour tie against Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen at Stamford Bridge.
After their historic FIFA Club World Cup triumph in the United States earlier this summer, Enzo Maresca’s men return home to give fans a glimpse of what’s to come in 2025/26.
The clash will be the first chance for supporters to watch several new faces in Chelsea blue, including some of the most talked-about young talents in world football, while also marking the home debuts of Club World Cup standouts Joao Pedro and Liam Delap.
On the other side, Leverkusen are now under the stewardship of former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, whose early moves in the transfer market suggest a clear shift in philosophy and playing style.
Chelsea: A New Era Blossoming
Enzo Maresca may have tasted silverware early in his reign, but the Italian tactician now turns his focus to long-term squad building, with youth and flair at the heart of his approach.
The arrival of Jamie Bynoe-Gittens from Borussia Dortmund, Jorrel Hato from Ajax, and Willian Estevao from Palmeiras adds dynamism and versatility to a team already brimming with potential.
Estevao in particular, has already made an impression, scoring against Chelsea in the Club World Cup quarter-final, a performance that surely played a part in fast-tracking his Stamford Bridge arrival.
Meanwhile, Joao Pedro, who netted three goals in the final two CWC matches, and Liam Delap offer attacking depth and pressing power up front.
With a full-strength squad available minus a few injury absentees, Maresca will be keen to see how these new additions gel with his existing core.
Bayer Leverkusen: Rebuilding with Purpose
Leverkusen’s post-Xabi Alonso era has started with ambition. With Erik ten Hag at the helm, the club has experienced a notable overhaul.
Gone are key names like Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Granit Xhaka, but in their place have come a mix of youth and Premier League experience.
Mark Flekken brings reliability between the sticks, Jarell Quansah adds composure to the backline, and Malik Tillman brings flair and energy in midfield.
The Dutch manager will be looking to instil a more possession-heavy style, and this friendly provides a strong test of their progress so far.
Team News :
Chelsea:
Likely debutants: Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, Willian Estevao, Jorrel Hato.
Home debuts expected: Joao Pedro, Liam Delap.
Back from injury: Enzo Fernandez, Benoit Badiashile, Romeo Lavia, Dario Essugo.
Injury concerns: Wesley Fofana (long-term), Levi Colwill (ACL).
Bayer Leverkusen:
Ten Hag is expected to rotate heavily as he evaluates his new-look squad.
New arrivals like Quansah and Tillman are in line to start.
Flekken should get his first minutes in goal following his move from Brentford.
Players to Watch
Willian Estevao (Chelsea): Already making headlines in South America, the 18-year-old has elite potential. Quick, creative, and clinical, fans will be eager to see him unleashed in blue.
Joao Pedro (Chelsea): A standout in the Club World Cup with his movement and finishing. Could be Chelsea’s breakout forward this season.
Malik Tillman (Leverkusen): The former Bayern and PSV attacker brings guile and unpredictability. One of the key pieces in Ten Hag’s system.
Potential Lineups:
Chelsea: 4-2-3-1 – Sanchez; James, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella; Enzo, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Gittens; Pedro.
Bayer Leverkusen: 3-4-2-1 – Flekken; Tape, Quansah, Tapsoba; Tella, Palacios, Andrich, Grimaldo; Maza, Adli; Schick
What to Expect
While friendlies are rarely about results, Chelsea fans will want to see sharpness, fluid combinations, and hints of Maresca’s tactical evolution.
Expect Chelsea to dominate possession, press high, and give their new recruits ample time to impress.
Leverkusen, meanwhile, will aim to be compact and intelligent on the break. With a new manager still bedding in, they might lack cohesion, but the individual quality remains.
Where to watch
United Kingdom: Channel 5 or DAZN
United States: DAZN or Chelsea app
Canada: DAZN or Chelsea app
Australia: DAZN or Chelsea app
Nigeria: SuperSports, Chelsea app or DAZN
Score Prediction: Chelsea 3 – 1 Bayer Leverkusen
Conclusion
With greater continuity from the Club World Cup and an exciting batch of new stars eager to impress, Chelsea should edge this one, though expect flashes of quality from Ten Hag’s evolving side.