Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca can now shift his attention to the start of the Premier League after completing pre-season.
Chelsea signed off their short pre-season in style, winning 4-1 against AC Milan on Sunday afternoon.
Liam Delap (two) and Joao Pedro were on the scoresheet at Stamford Bridge, plus there was an own goal from Milan defender Andrei Coubis, who was then sent off in the first half.
The Blues begin their Premier League campaign next Sunday by hosting Crystal Palace. Incidentally, Oliver Glasner’s Palace side were crowned Community Shield champions today after beating Liverpool on penalties at Wembley Stadium.
Chelsea beat Palace 3-0 in the 2021/22 season, which was the last time they met on the opening day. At the moment, the free-scoring Blues side should feel confident going into any match they play.
Chelsea players Pedro Neto, Estevao Willian, Joao Pedro and Dario Essugo before the pre-season friendly against AC Milan.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea demand Pedro Neto and Estevao Willian start out wide vs Crystal Palace
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has some major decisions to make with his team selection for the Palace showdown, particularly in the wide areas.
According to Blues fans on X, Estevao Willian and Pedro Neto should be the starting wingers. If that’s the case, Jamie Gittens and Tyrique George would be the natural wingers in the squad to miss out.
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One fan wrote: “I think Gittens should start from the bench. Play Neto on the left wing, Estevao on the right and Palmer in the 10.”
“I would start Estevao on Sunday with Neto on the left,” another posted.
I would start Neto on the left and Estevao on the right on Sunday.
Pedro
Neto. Palmer Estevao
Enzo. Moi
Cucu Trev(default) Tosin(default) Reece
Sanchez
— De Thanos (@Denno876er) August 10, 2025
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One supporter claimed: “I start Estevao on the right & Neto on the left in Crystal Palace game.”
“Looking like Neto to the LW and Estevao on RW would be best way to start the season,” another said.
Ahead of the new season, the Blues certainly have plenty of quality and depth in the wide areas, something we saw again during the Milan victory. On top of that, Chelsea have agreed personal terms with Alejandro Garnacho, the skilful Manchester United winger.
Even though Noni Madueke left Chelsea to join Arsenal this summer, it feels like they can be a huge threat when they get the ball out to the byline.
Neto, 25, will be aiming to kick on after a strong debut season in West London last year. Meanwhile, Estevao, 18, and Gittens, 21, came this summer with so much talent.
Maresca opted with Gittens from the left and Neto from the right against Milan. Let’s wait and see if fans get their wish of Neto from the left and Estevao from the right next week at home to Palace. The exciting thing is the possibility to use each of them in different roles is there.
Chelsea fans during the pre-season friendly against AC Milan at Stamford Bridge.
Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Estevao Willian was electric in cameo against AC Milan
While we enjoyed what Gittens and Neto offered for Chelsea against Milan after starting on the flanks, Brazilian wonderkid Estevao just added an extra spark with his cameo off the bench.
Minutes played Total shots Chances created Penalties won Touches in opposition box Accurate crosses Was fouled Match rating
30 1 2 1 4 2/2 (100%) 1 7.0
Estevao Willian statistics during Chelsea vs AC Milan via FOTMOB
The left-footed teenager, who is already becoming a fan favourite, lit up the pitch with his brief display. In particular, he won his side a spot-kick and admirably handed the ball to teammate Delap to convert.
Chelsea planned to ease Estevao in following the youngster’s arrival from South American football, but the noise will grow louder and louder from supporters to include him in the starting line-up.
In both pre-season games, Estevao looked at complete ease in the side at Stamford Bridge. Of course, it is a totally different challenge to ask him to deliver from day one in the Premier League.