Chelsea play their first recreation since turning into world champions tonight when Bayer Leverkusen are the guests to Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Maresca’s side beat overwhelming favourites Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 to win the Membership World Cup in New Jersey on July 13 – Cole Palmer scoring twice so as to add to a purpose from new signing Joao Pedro.
As is now the norm with Chelsea, the membership have been lively within the switch window with Liam Delap, Dario Essugo, Estevao Willian, Jamie Gittens, Jorrel Hato, Kendra Paez, Mamadou Sarr and Mike Penders becoming a member of Pedro on the membership.
For Leverkusen, it’s a return to England for boss Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman endured a depressing time at Manchester United and was sacked in October final 12 months.
His job in Germany is unlikely to be simple both as he replaces membership legend Xabi Alonso, who led Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title in 2024, earlier than departing for Actual Madrid.
Leverkusen had been unable to retain the trophy final 12 months however nonetheless completed because the closest challengers to Bayern Munich.
Chelsea Group Information
Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku had been omitted from the matchday squad with reviews suggesting they would be the subsequent two gamers to depart Stamford Bridge.
Estevao will get his first begin whereas Delap and Andrey Santos make their first appearances at residence.
Chelsea: Jorgensen; Gusto, Acheampong, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Andrey Santos, Estevao, Palmer, George; Delap
Subs: Sanchez, Slonina, Tosin, Anselmino, Hato, James, Antwi, Fernandez, Rak-Sakyi, Essugo, Gittens, Neto, Joao Pedro
Bayer Leverkusen Group Information
Former Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken begins in purpose for Leverkusen whereas Patrik Schick, who scored 21 targets within the Bundesliga final season, will lead the assault having this week signed a brand new contract.
Bayer Leverkusen: Flekken; Hincapie, Quansah, Tapsoba; Grimaldo; Andrich, Garcia, Maza, Tella; Adli, Schick
