For the first time on Tuesday, we are going to get to see Chelsea play under Xabi Alonso!
We are all excited, even if it just is a pre-season game. Alonso is one of the most promising young coaches in football, so everyone is looking forward to seeing what he will bring to Stamford Bridge.
Although Tuesday’s match against Western Sydney Wanderers is only a friendly, it will be a very important fixture for some Chelsea players, who have a point to prove.
Where would this Chelsea team finish? 👀
Liam Delap
Liam Delap had a disastrous 2025/26 campaign, with the striker only managing to score one goal in the Premier League.
Delap is determined to stay at Chelsea and show his worth, but the club also have Joao Pedro, Emmanuel Emegha, Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu on their books.
There is a lot of competition just to remain at the Bridge, meaning that Delap has to make an immediate impact under Alonso, starting from Tuesday against Western Sydney.
Jamie Gittens
Jamie Gittens’ debut season at Chelsea was hit by injury, so the jury is still out on him. He will be eager to remind Chelsea fans what he is capable of while in Australia.
Morgan Rogers’ £117m arrival from Aston Villa also puts pressure on Gittens. With Rogers yet to link up with the travelling squad following his involvement at the World Cup, Gittens will have a bit of breathing space and a chance to impress in pre-season.
Robert Sanchez
Unlike Gittens, Robert Sanchez got plenty of game time last term. He was Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper and still is for the time being.
The Club World Cup winners have not gone out and bought a new No.1, but a poor display at the Accor Stadium could cause them to change their mind. Sanchez was not totally convincing in the previous campaign, so Alonso will be keeping a close eye on him.
Dario Essugo
Dario Essugo was another Chelsea star who had to battle with injury during the 2025/26 season. He ended up making just three appearances in the Premier League.
With Chelsea keen on Alex Scott, you would have to fear for Essugo’s chances. He has to make every kick count in pre-season.
Tosin Adarabioyo
Maxence Lacroix will be a Chelsea player in the upcoming season, while John Stones could join him at Stamford Bridge. It means Alonso will have to get rid of a centre-back or two, with Tosin Adarabioyo a candidate.
It is now or never for the former Fulham man and some of his Chelsea teammates.
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