Chelsea is looking to conclude their preseason tour on a positive note as they face reigning European champions Real Madrid in Charlotte, North Carolina. After suffering a 4-2 defeat to Manchester City, Chelsea has managed only one victory in four friendly matches, raising concerns among fans about the team’s prospects under new manager Enzo Maresca.
With the Premier League season set to kick off in less than two weeks, Chelsea will open their campaign at home against Manchester City. Maresca has the opportunity to make final adjustments to his squad before their last friendly against Inter Milan at Stamford Bridge.
On the other hand, Real Madrid will participate in this match before their UEFA Super Cup showdown with Atalanta. The Spanish giants have faced setbacks during their U.S. tour, losing to both Barcelona and AC Milan.
In terms of team lineups, several key players for Real Madrid, including Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, Ferland Mendy, Aurelien Tchouameni, Kylian Mbappe, and Eduardo Camavinga, are unavailable as they are on vacation following Euro 2024. Additionally, Federico Valverde is still resting after Copa America. However, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo are expected to contribute, as Vinicius made a substitute appearance against Barcelona. Young midfielder Cesar Palacios is sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury.
Real Madrid’s likely starting XI includes: Courtois (GK), L. Vazquez, Militao, Rudiger, F. Garcia, Modric, Martin, Ceballos, B. Diaz, Rodrygo, and Vinicius.
In Chelsea’s camp, new signings Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo have recently joined the squad in the USA, although Cole Palmer, Marc Cucurella, and Conor Gallagher are still on their post-Euro breaks, with Gallagher rumored to be on the verge of a move to Atletico Madrid. Injuries to Nicolas Jackson and Axel Disasi leave Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu competing for the forward position in this match, with new goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen starting after moving from Valencia.
Chelsea’s anticipated starting XI features: Jorgensen (GK), R. James, Badiashile, Colwill, Gusto, E. Fernandez, Lavia, Madueke, Nkunku, Guiu, and Sterling.
Real Madrid has brought 26 players for the preseason tour, including several from the academy, while Chelsea has a squad of 28, with some players set to join later.
Broadcast details for the match show it will be available on ESPN Deportes and TUDN in the USA, with streaming options on ESPN+ and Fubo. In the UK, Canada, and India, fans can watch via Chelsea TV, while Australian viewers can stream the match on Paramount+.