Chelsea return home for their final pre-season match, hosting Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Xabi Alonso will lead his new side against the club where he began his professional football career nearly 30 years ago.
Chelsea’s pre-season preparations began much later than usual, but the Blues have been extremely busy, playing five matches in the last 15 days. Not everything went to plan in the early stages of pre-season, but against AC Milan we saw the team’s true potential as they won 3–0.
Just a day later, Chelsea’s second team and some of the returning first-team regulars played against Johor DT, drawing 3–3, but that match certainly cannot be taken into account.
Against Real Sociedad, I expect a near-full-strength line-up and a much more convincing performance, but also a very tough match, as the visitors are also expected to field their strongest players, or at least in the first half.
So far, Sociedad have played six friendlies, winning only two of them, but they have nevertheless shown attacking potential even without Mikel Oyarzabal. The Spaniard, however, is now back with the team, which will make them even more dangerous and capable of causing problems for Chelsea.
How the bookies view it: Huge advantage for Chelsea
There is no doubt which side has the better squad, but this is a friendly and anything is possible. Nevertheless, the bookmakers have Chelsea as clear favourites at 13/20. Real Sociedad are available at 15/4, whilst a draw is priced at 11/4.
Recent head-to-head: The Blues dominated 12 years ago
It has been just over 12 years since the last meeting between Chelsea and Real Sociedad, which was also a friendly. On that occasion, the Blues won 2–0 thanks to two early goals from Diego Costa.
Players to watch: The world champion is back
Chelsea have so far been among the biggest spenders in the transfer market, but many of the new signings have yet to be given much of a chance. We may see them in this match, but I reckon Alonso will field most of his established first-team regulars.
I’m once again looking at Joao Pedro as a potential target, following his fantastic performance against AC Milan, in which he scored twice. He played a full 85 minutes in that match, even though it was a friendly, and I expect something similar here.
If Oyarzabal does indeed start for Real Sociedad, he’s also a top target following his phenomenal World Cup. Real Sociedad need his goals.
Probable line-ups
Chelsea: Sanchez, Acheampong, Fofana, Adarabioyo, Hato, Lavia, Caicedo, Palmer, Pedro, Neto, Welbeck
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Gomez, Zubeldia, Martin, Aramburu, Soler, Turrientes, Barrenetxea, Sucic, Kubo, Oyarzabal
Anything else catch the eye?
A week ago, I expected AC Milan to score at least one goal, but they were absolutely dreadful in their match against Chelsea. This time, however, I reckon the Blues will concede at least one goal, although I expect them to win convincingly.
I like Real Sociedad’s attacking play, but they definitely have gaps in defence that will be exploited by Chelsea’s star-studded attack.
As a pre-season finale, I’m expecting a high-scoring match and a win for Chelsea; I’d go for 3–1 as the correct score.
Think both sides will find the net? Our BTTS Masterclass explains how to spot the fixtures where goals are a given.
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