Chelsea supporters, get ready for some football! The Blues are back in action after their FIFA Club World Cup win, facing Bayer Leverkusen in a pre-season friendly. This evening's game at Stamford Bridge is part of the VisitMalta Weekender and a chance for Enzo Maresca to give his players some crucial minutes.
New Faces and Familiar Favourites
Expect to see Andrey Santos, Estevao, and Liam Delap making their first appearances at Stamford Bridge. Summer signing Estevao starts on the right, while Delap leads the attack. Keep an eye on Cole Palmer at No.10.
Team Lineups and Absences
Here's the confirmed Chelsea lineup: Jorgensen; Gusto, Acheampong, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Andrey Santos; Estevao, Palmer, George; Delap. Nicolas Jackson is absent amid transfer rumours and Christopher Nkunku is also out. However, Benoit Badiashile, Dario Essugo, and Enzo Fernandez are available after recovering from minor issues. Romeo Lavia misses out due to injury.
What to Expect From Leverkusen
Leverkusen are looking to bounce back after a defeat to Flamengo's Under-20s. They've secured friendly wins since then, but face a challenging season after losing their manager and key players.
How to Watch in Ghana
For fans in Ghana, check Paramount+ and DAZN for live streaming options. Kick-off is at 7 p.m. BST, which translates to [Ghana Time - Calculate and insert Ghana Time here]. Don't miss the action!
- Key Matchup: Watch out for the midfield battle between Caicedo and Leverkusen's key players.
- Players to Watch: Estevao's debut and Delap's home debut will be exciting to see.
- Prediction: Chelsea, with their home advantage and strong squad, are favourites to win.
This friendly offers a great opportunity to see Chelsea's new signings and assess their form ahead of the Premier League season. Let's go, Chelsea!