Chelsea’s dramatic preseason tour brought about renewed disappointment from an embarrassing 4-2 defeat to Premier League rivals Manchester City. Up next, their stint in the USA culminates with a similarly difficult test against European Champions Real Madrid, on August 7 (UK Time) from the Bank of America Stadium. Here is our predicted lineup for Chelsea’s clash with the Galacticos.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup Vs Real Madrid
How Chelsea Have Lined Up Recently
Enzo Maresca made many experimental changes to the lineup in their last outing against Manchester City. Most notably, Chelsea’s £200 million midfield duo, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, returned to the starting eleven after a busy summer on international duty. Rather than inverting a fullback, Maresca instructed Caicedo and Romeo Lavia to form a double pivot while Enzo played as an advanced number eight.
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As a result, Malo Gusto lined up at left-back and frequently ventured forward as an unorthodox winger. Robert Sanchez and Reece James maintained their spots while a new centre-half duo of Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo completed the backline.
Mykhailo Mudryk returned to the lineup but at right wing, this time, and midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall started out as a left-winger who would often tuck in while Gusto provided the width. Despite starting every preseason game so far, Marc Guiu had to make way for Christopher Nkunku who deputised as a false nine which rounded out the starting lineup. The “incredible” Frenchman could move to the left-wing this match.
Chelsea’s Recent Form and Tactics
Chelsea’s preseason form has been a bit of a roller coaster. Overall, the Blues are 1-1-2 (W-D-L) with a resounding 3-0 win sandwiched by disappointing 4-1 and 4-2 defeats. Additionally, Chelsea have conceded a concerning 2.5 goals per game and have been outscored by their opponents 10-8 throughout preseason.
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Despite Chelsea’s recent loss to Man City, Maresca’s tactically experimental setup heading into the game was encouraging. The Italian has consistently shown the willingness to make adjustments in order to find the best balance in his setup. Therefore, it appears that Maresca won’t be too one-dimensional with his tactics moving forward.
Chelsea Injuries To Consider
Chelsea’s injury crisis, for the time being, seems to finally be in its latter stages. The only two major squad players out through notable injuries, Nicolas Jackson and Axel Disasi, may be fit enough to make their first preseason appearances soon.
Jackson has been nursing an ankle injury that he picked up on international duty, but he’s been training with the first team and could even play against Madrid. Meanwhile, Disasi has been recovering from a hernia surgery and is targeting a return against Inter Milan in the final preseason match.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup Vs Real Madrid
GK: Robert Sanchez
RB: Reece James
CB: Tosin Adarabioyo
CB: Levi Colwill
LB: Malo Gusto
DM: Romeo Lavia
CM: Moises Caicedo
CM: Enzo Fernandez
LW: Christopher Nkunku
ST: Marc Guiu
RW: Noni Madueke
