Chelsea conclude their pre-season preparations against Real Sociedad on Saturday, with Xabi Alonso taking charge of his first match at Stamford Bridge since becoming Blues head coach.
The Spaniard faces his former club in Chelsea's final friendly before the Premier League season, hoping to build momentum after a mixed summer schedule across Australia and Asia.
Chelsea team news
Chelsea have received a significant boost ahead of the fixture, with all of their remaining World Cup players now back in training.
That includes Enzo Fernandez, despite continued speculation linking the Argentine midfielder with moves to Manchester City and Real Madrid. Chelsea have reportedly made it clear that any offers must arrive before Friday's deadline and meet their £120m valuation.
There could also be first pre-season appearances for Reece James, Valentin Barco, Morgan Rogers, Jordan Henderson, Malo Gusto and Maxence Lacroix.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Emegha has returned to training after recovering from a hamstring injury and is in contention for minutes, while new signing Pep Chavarria has joined the squad following his arrival from Rayo Vallecano.
Selection decisions still to be made
Chelsea still have a large squad to manage before the transfer window closes, with several players facing uncertain futures.
Liam Delap, Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu could all feature despite ongoing speculation over potential exits, while Xabi Alonso is still assessing his attacking options behind first-choice striker Joao Pedro.
Defensively, Tosin Adarabioyo, Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile have all been linked with moves away, while youngster Mamadou Sarr could still leave on loan before the deadline.
The only notable absentee is Aaron Anselmino, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Predicted Chelsea XI
Alonso is expected to field a strong side ahead of the Premier League opener.
Predicted XI: Penders; Palestra, Lacroix, Colwill, Hato; Henderson, Caicedo; Estevao, Palmer, Rogers; Joao Pedro.
Prediction
Chelsea have gradually improved throughout pre-season and now have their strongest squad available heading into the final warm-up fixture.
Real Sociedad should provide a competitive test, but with Stamford Bridge hosting Alonso's first home game as Chelsea boss, the Blues will be eager to finish preparations with a victory.
Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Real Sociedad
Key Points
- Chelsea face Real Sociedad in their final pre-season friendly.
- Enzo Fernandez has returned to training despite transfer speculation.
- Reece James, Jordan Henderson and Emmanuel Emegha could all feature.
- Aaron Anselmino is unavailable with a hamstring injury.
- Xabi Alonso takes charge of his first match at Stamford Bridge.
What's Next?
Chelsea will immediately switch their attention to the opening weekend of the Premier League season after facing Real Sociedad. Alonso is expected to use Saturday's friendly to finalise his preferred starting XI while assessing several players whose futures remain uncertain before the transfer window closes.
Who should start in Chelsea's attack when the Premier League season gets underway?
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