Chelsea vs Juventus: Pre-season Clash Preview, Team Updates, and Lineups
After a narrow defeat to Tottenham in Australia, Chelsea continue their pre-season tour with a midweek match against Italian giants Juventus at Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong. Both teams are ramping up preparations for the upcoming season, with the Blues looking to bounce back and Juve building momentum following a win over Nice.
Background and Recent Form
The summer has brought significant changes to Chelsea, with new manager Xabi Alonso focusing on blending experience into a youthful squad. Veteran forward Danny Welbeck has joined, alongside the soon-to-arrive 36-year-old Jordan Henderson. Other notable signings include Morgan Rogers and Maxence Lacroix. Despite these additions, it was teenage Brazilian Estevao who scored in their recent loss to Tottenham, which came after a wild 6-4 victory against Western Sydney Wanderers.
Chelsea’s aim is to hit peak fitness ahead of their Premier League opener against local rivals Fulham on August 22. Before that, they will face Juventus in Hong Kong, then AC Milan in Indonesia, and Johor Darul Ta'zim in Malaysia within eight days.
These two clubs last met in 2021 during the Champions League group stage, where Chelsea won 4-0 at Stamford Bridge. Historically, Juventus had the upper hand, winning two of their previous three encounters. Neither club will participate in Europe’s top tournament this season, as Chelsea struggled last year and Juventus missed out on a Champions League spot, settling for the Europa League instead.
Juventus, coached by interim boss Luciano Spalletti, have started their pre-season strongly, with wins over Standard Liege and Nice, and a draw with Basel. Noteworthy was Douglas Luiz scoring against Nice. The Italian side is preparing for their Serie A opener against newly promoted Frosinone on August 23. After the Hong Kong game, they will travel to Australia to face bitter rivals Inter Milan.
Pre-season Records
- Chelsea: 1 Win, 1 Loss
- Juventus: 2 Wins, 1 Draw
Team News and Possible Lineups
Chelsea’s squad now includes several returning players from suspension and injury. Mykhaylo Mudryk, Danny Welbeck, Pedro Neto, and Geovany Quenda are part of the touring party. Goalkeeper Mike Penders could challenge Robert Sanchez for the starting spot, while Teddy Sharman-Lowe might be relegated to the bench.
Midfielders Moises Caicedo and Nicolas Jackson missed the loss to Spurs but could feature here, though Enzo Fernandez, Lacroix, and Rogers remain sidelined. With Liam Delap likely departing, youngsters Dastan Satpaev and Joao Pedro—who impressed with a rapid hat-trick recently—are contenders to lead the attack.
Juventus no longer have former Chelsea target Dusan Vlahovic, who left after his contract expired. Arkadiusz Milik, fit again, may spearhead their forward line. Spalletti reinforced the squad with Randal Kolo Muani's return, Bosnian prospect Kerim Alajbegovic, and right-back Zeki Celik from Roma. However, Jeff Ekhator faces a muscular injury, joining midfielder Khephren Thuram on the sidelines.
- Chelsea possible lineup: Sanchez; Palestra, Acheampong, Colwill, Hato; Lavia, Caicedo; Estevao, Palmer, Neto; Pedro
- Juventus possible lineup: Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Gatti, Kelly; Celik, Locatelli, Luiz, Cambiaso; Zhegrova, Boga; Milik
Prediction
With the return of key players, Chelsea should present a stronger side than in earlier friendlies. This could help them overcome a Juventus team that looks less formidable than in past years. Missteps in management have left Juve diminished, while Chelsea under Alonso seem to be taking a steadier route. We think Chelsea will win 3-1.
