Chelsea continue their pre-season schedule on Sunday when they take on Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta’zim, less than 24 hours after their 3-0 win AC Milan.
Xabi Alonso’s side bounced back from defeats to Tottenham and Juventus with an impressive display against the Italian outfit, where Joao Pedro continued his outstanding pre-season by taking his tally to five goals with another brace.
Despite the demanding turnaround, Alonso will view this fixture as another valuable opportunity to assess his squad ahead of the new campaign. A heavily-rotated lineup is expected, with several fringe players hoping to impress before Chelsea conclude their preparations against Real Sociedad next weekend.
Johor Darul Ta’zim head into the contest in good spirits after an encouraging pre-season. The Malaysian Super League champions drew 0-0 with Elche before beating Spanish third-tier side Cartagena 2-0.
Managed by former Watford and Sheffield Wednesday boss Xisco Munoz, Johor dominated domestic football last season, scoring an incredible 117 goals in 24 league matches while conceding only 10 and dropping points just once.
Team news for Chelsea vs Johor Darul Ta’zim
Chelsea are expected to make wholesale changes following Saturday’s win over AC Milan, with Alonso likely to field an entirely different starting XI.
The Blues are short of options at full-back after Marco Palestra, Josh Acheampong and Jorrel Hato all played significant minutes against Milan.
Aaron Anselmino could be deployed on the left, although Alonso may instead opt for a back three featuring Mamadou Sarr, Tosin Adarabioyo and Genesis Antwi Subolaye, with Jamie Gittens and Estevao operating as wing-backs.
Players heavily involved on Saturday, including Wesley Fofana, Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro, are all expected to be rested.
Johor Darul Ta’zim could stick with the side that defeated Cartagena, with Oscar Arribas and Marcos Guilherme both pushing to keep their places after getting on the scoresheet in that victory.
Chelsea possible starting lineup: Penders; Sarr, Adarabioyo, Subolaye; Gittens, Essugo, Nicoll-Jazuli, Estevao; Walsh, Satpaev; Delap
Johor Darul Ta’zim possible starting lineup: Hazmi; Baharudin, Israfilov, Cristian; Pasero, Hidalgo, Fazail, Mendez, Corbin-Ong; Guilherme, Bergson
How to watch Chelsea vs Johor Darul Ta’zim
The pre-season friendly takes place on Sunday, August 10. Kick-off time is at 13:00 BST, and broadcasts can likely be found through Chelsea’s website.
The stats for Chelsea vs Johor Darul Ta’zim
- Chelsea have won one of their last four pre-season matches
- The Blues beat AC Milan 3-0 in their previous outing
- Joao Pedro has scored five goals during Chelsea’s pre-season tour
- Johor Darul Ta’zim are unbeaten in pre-season after a draw with Elche and victory over Cartagena
- The Malaysian champions scored 117 goals in 24 league matches last season
Prediction for Chelsea vs Johor Darul Ta’zim
Chelsea’s squad rotation will hand opportunities to several young players, but the Premier League side should still possess too much quality for their Malaysian opponents.
Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Johor Darul Ta’zim.
Responsible Gambling
Gambling should always be approached as entertainment, not as a way to generate income. If you ever feel that gambling is becoming a problem, there are several organisations you can contact for free, confidential support.
Tools available through bet365 include deposit limits, session time reminders, loss limits, self-exclusion and Reality Checks. These can be accessed via the Safer Gambling section of your account at any time. 18+ only. Please gamble responsibly.
Hopefully that is all clear but please send any questions my way!!
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: 101greatgoals.com
