CHELSEA will look to finally get their pre-season up and running as they take on Mexican side Club América in Atlanta, Georgia, in the early hours of Thursday morning, and once again, I’m expecting goals.
Enzo Maresca began his reign as Chelsea boss by requiring an equaliser six minutes from time just to draw with newly promoted League One side Wrexham.
Things got worse for The Blues next time out, as they were thrashed 1-4 by the reigning Scottish Premiership champions Celtic, with their consolation goal coming from the penalty spot one minute from time.
Unlike their opponents, André Jardine’s men have already gotten their domestic campaign underway, with the Liga MX beginning at the start of July.
The reigning Liga MX champions have made an inconsistent start to the season, as they have won two and lost two of their opening four league matches (W2-D0-L2), to leave them in ninth position, four points off the lead.
How the Bookies View It: Chelsea Unconvincing Favourites
Chelsea have been installed as favourites here, as they are 8/11 to claim their first victory of the Enzo Maresca reign. The Eagles are priced up as 3/1 outsiders to claim the win, whilst a draw is 14/5 – also at Bet365.
Head to head: Two Years on From Their Last Meeting
These two sides faced each other in July 2022 in a friendly, in which The Blues claimed a 2-1 victory thanks to a late Mason Mount winner.
Players to watch: Nkunku to Nick Another Goal?
One of the positives for Chelsea is that Christopher Nkunku is now back fit after an injury-ravaged first campaign at Stamford Bridge and has netted in each of their opening two pre-season contests.
Despite an inconsistent start to their domestic campaign, captain and forward Henry Martín has struck four of Club América’s six league goals this term.
Probable line-ups
Enzo Maresca made just two changes to his side that started the Wrexham game to the Celtic one, but after that heavy defeat, may decide to ring some more changes from the start.
Rodrigo Aguirre scored a stoppage-time winner against Juarez last time out and will be hoping to come in from the off here.
Chelsea: Sanchez, Tosin, Badiashile, Colwill, Madueke, James, Lavia, Sterling, Chukwuemeka, Nkunku, Guiu
Club América: Malagón, Espinoza, Araújo, Lichnovsky, Calderón, Dilrosun, R. Sánchez, Dos Santos, E. Sánchez, Fidalgo, Martín
Anything else catch the eye?
There have been an eye-catching nine goals scored across both of Chelsea’s opening two matches in the States, so goals should be the way to go again here.
Both Teams to Score & Over 2.5 Goals has paid out in both of The Blues’ pre-season matches – and given the same has landed in 3/4 (75%) of Club América’s Liga MX contests – I’m happy to have a punt on a repeat here.
As mentioned above, Christopher Nkunku has struck in each of the West London sides’ last two matches, whilst Eagles captain Henry Martín has four goals in four Liga MX appearances this campaign.
This International Friendly match between Chelsea and Club América will be played on Aug 1, 2024 and kick off at 00:30. Check below for our tipsters best Chelsea vs Club América prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
