Pre-season has certainly not been plain sailing this summer as far as Chelsea are concerned.
The tour of the United States is yet to see the Blues record a victory under Enzo Maresca, and while results are not crucial there are no doubt areas for concern at this stage.
Individual displays in the prior friendly against Celtic were nowhere near the standard required, and our predicted XI for this game against Club America will see a number of changes made to the side who started last time.
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The new manager will likely be hoping to take another step towards learning who he will be starting in the Premier League opener against Manchester City.
One player who will be hoping to be in that conversation is Romeo Lavia, after making just one appearance in his first campaign since the £58m switch.
Romeo Lavia needs big performance
The young midfielder’s display was way off it against Celtic though, after he impressed many supporters in their opening friendly against Wrexham.
There are certainly places up for grabs in midfield roles at Stamford Bridge ahead of the first game. A host of experienced players in that position from last season have not yet played a minute this summer, and will have to prove they are up to speed in a short amount of time.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall returning from injury
Another player yet to feature is Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, however the strong relationship he has with Maresca off the back of their time together at Leicester City suggests he has a big part to play in the upcoming season.
Injuries had up to now kept the Englishman off the pitch, however it looks as if he is on schedule to return in the next game.
Lavia was certainly not signed to just sit on the bench when he is fit though, and will be hoping he can provide a display that puts him firmly in the manager’s thinking for the middle of August.
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