Overview
Chelsea had an impressive debut under coach Xabi Alonso when defeating Western Sydney Wanderers 6-4 in a friendly match. This victory brings many positive signals to the Spanish strategist, although The Blues still revealed many problems in the defense.
Alonso's tactical principles, both with and without the ball, were partly shown right in the first match. However, the ability to operate the system, especially in defense, has not yet achieved stability when Chelsea has repeatedly let opponents exploit spaces.
After opening the score early, the London team had many difficulties in increasing the gap. Only in the final minutes, when key players were brought on, did Chelsea create a difference to close the match with a big win.
However, the weaknesses that once existed under previous coaches have not been completely overcome. An insecure defense system will certainly be a problem Alonso needs to solve soon before the new season starts.
However, it should also be noted that Chelsea takes the field with a squad with many young players and reserves, names that are unlikely to have a chance to start when the 2026-2027 Premier League begins.
Chelsea's next challenge will be Tottenham, a team currently led by Roberto De Zerbi. The North London representative is still undefeated in the pre-season period with victories against MK Dons and Auckland FC, while keeping a clean sheet in both matches.
In the most recent match, Tottenham was held to a draw by Sydney FC after Takahiro Sekine scored the equalizer, before winning in a penalty shootout. However, the confrontation with Chelsea is considered Spurs' most difficult test since the beginning of the preparation period.
De Zerbi's team also aims to end the 6-game losing streak against Chelsea. However, the result of this London derby is only for reference because this is still a pre-season friendly match.
Personnel situation
After giving opportunities to many young players in the win against Western Sydney Wanderers, Xabi Alonso is likely to use more key players in the next friendly match with Tottenham.
However, some young talents still have the opportunity to keep a starting spot after an impressive performance. Landon Emenalo is expected to continue to start as a left-back, while Reggie Watson (16 years old), son of former midfielder Ben Watson, along with two 17-year-old players Reggie Walsh and Dastan Satpaev may also continue to be in the starting lineup.
On Tottenham's side, newcomer Andy Robertson may start for the first time after coming on in the last 30 minutes of the win against Sydney FC and successfully taking a penalty kick.
However, Roberto De Zerbi is likely to still keep Rio Kyerematen in the left-back position. This young defender is predicted to continue to play alongside Ben Davies, Kota Takai and Tye Hall to form a four-man defense.
Expected lineup:
Chelsea: Sanchez, Acheampong, Fofana, Colwill, Emenalo, Watson, Essugo, Satpaev, Walsh, Gittens, Joao Pedro.
Tottenham: Dubravka, Hall, Takai, Davies, Kyerematen, Fernandes, Tonali, Solomon, Gallagher, Tel, Solanke.
The match between Chelsea and Tottenham takes place at 4:45 p.m. on August 1 (Vietnam time).
