Chelsea vs Club America: Expect a strong starting XI

2 of 4

Chelsea’s German head coach Thomas Tuchel (L) speaks with Chelsea’s French-born Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy (R) after the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on August 28, 2021. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images) /

Goalkeeper: Edouard Mendy

The Senegalese shot-stopper has already established himself as Chelsea’s No. 1 and one of the best keepers in the world within the span of just two seasons. Considering Kepa Arrizabalaga’s uncertain future, fans should expect Mendy to be the man between the sticks per usual and gain match sharpness before the Blues head into the season against Everton in early August.

Right back: Reece James

Reece James is most likely to get the nod as Cesar Azpilicueta is currently considering a move to FC Barcelona. If everything goes according to plan, the skipper will hope to sign for the Spanish outfit in a number of weeks. Fans were expecting the very versatile Dujon Sterling to get some game time on the preseason tour of the United States, however, Tuchel has other plans as he has decided to exclude him from the squad for one reason or another.

Centreback: Trevoh Chalobah

Last season was a dream come true for Chalobah, who has dreamt of playing professional football at Stamford Bridge since he was eight years old. Chelsea has made minimal progress in the transfer market—especially as it relates to finding replacements for Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger—which puts Chalobah under the microscope as the season inches closer. The Englishman could play a crucial role in the upcoming campaign for this reason.

Centreback: Levi Colwill

The young Englishman enjoyed a successful loan spell at Huddersfield Town last season, taking the Terriers to the Championship Playoff final. Levi Colwill has now been spotted impressing at the preseason training camp, despite an uncertain future. There is interest from Southampton, but many Blues supporters are expecting him to stay and fill in the gaps left by departing defenders after Chelsea reportedly dropped its pursuit of Nathan Ake. Fans are hoping that Tuchel will give the promising left footed centre-half a chance to prove his capability.

Left back: Ben Chilwell

Spending majority of last season on the sidelines with a partial rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, Ben Chilwell made his comeback after his recovery from surgery in the last game of the recently concluded season. He has since continued rehabilitation and the English fullback will be looking forward to this preseason tour in order to gain match fitness before a hectic upcoming campaign.

Home/Chelsea FC News