Chelsea begin their pre-season tour of the United States with a glamour friendly against Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds’ National League title-winning Wrexham in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
While the Hollywood duo struck gold in their second season in charge in Wales by returning to the Football League, the Blues finished embarrassingly low in the Premier League and are in the process of a large squad revamp under new boss Mauricio Pochettino.
Here’s what you need to know about the pre-season friendly.
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County |
TV Channel/Live Stream |
|---|---|
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United Kingdom |
chelsea.com, The 5th Stand |
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United States |
ESPN+, ESPN Deportes |
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Canada |
DAZN |
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 15, 2023
Chelsea are expected to name a pre-season squad shortly. Their wild year of recruitment will continue deep into the summer as they seek further reinforcements for manager Pochettino.
Reece James was sent for a precautionary scan on his knee and may be left out as a result.
New signing Nicolas Jackson could be thrown in up front, but the lack of depth in midfield with the recent exits of Jorginho and Kai Havertz means the Blues are short in central areas.
Conor Gallagher will likely feature alongside Enzo Fernandez, while new youth arrival Diego Moreira might be available.
(4-3-3): Arrizabalaga; Chalobah, Fofana, Colwill, Chilwell; Gallagher, Fernandez, Chukwuemeka; Sterling, Jackson, Nkunku.
— Wrexham AFC (@Wrexham_AFC) July 16, 2023
Wrexham continue to grow as a worldwide brand and their high-profile schedule in America will only help that continue.
Many of the stars who helped Town return to the Football League will hope to feature against the Blues, including striker Paul Mullin, defender Ben Tozer and club captain Luke Young. Veteran goalkeeper Ben Foster has also signed a new deal and will stick around for the 2023/24 campaign.
(3-5-2): Foster; Boyle, Tozer, O’Connell; Barnett, Young, Lee, Cannon, Mendy; Mullin, Dalby.
Pochettino has plenty of work to do to get his eclectic squad gelling and their could be some tough teething months ahead for the Blues. Against a more harmonious and mentally sound Wrexham side, they could be given a scare or two if they aren’t careful.
That said, there is an obvious division disparity between the two clubs and Chelsea must be considered favourites even after their poor 2022/23 campaign.
Prediction: Chelsea 4-2 Wrexham
