Chelsea play their first game since becoming world champions tonight when Bayer Leverkusen are the visitors to Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Maresca’s side beat overwhelming favourites Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 to win the Club World Cup in New Jersey on July 13 – Cole Palmer scoring twice to add to a goal from new signing Joao Pedro.
As is now the norm with Chelsea, the club have been active in the transfer window with Liam Delap, Dario Essugo, Estevao Willian, Jamie Gittens, Jorrel Hato, Kendra Paez, Mamadou Sarr and Mike Penders joining Pedro at the club.
For Leverkusen, it is a return to England for boss Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman endured a miserable time at Manchester United and was sacked in October last year.
His job in Germany is unlikely to be straightforward either as he replaces club legend Xabi Alonso, who led Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title in 2024, before departing for Real Madrid.
Leverkusen were unable to retain the trophy last year but still finished as the closest challengers to Bayern Munich.
Chelsea Team News
Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku were omitted from the matchday squad with reports suggesting they will be the next two players to depart Stamford Bridge.
Estevao gets his first start while Delap and Andrey Santos make their first appearances at home.
Chelsea: Jorgensen; Gusto, Acheampong, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Andrey Santos, Estevao, Palmer, George; Delap
Subs: Sanchez, Slonina, Tosin, Anselmino, Hato, James, Antwi, Fernandez, Rak-Sakyi, Essugo, Gittens, Neto, Joao Pedro
Bayer Leverkusen Team News
Former Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken starts in goal for Leverkusen while Patrik Schick, who scored 21 goals in the Bundesliga last season, will lead the attack having this week signed a new contract.
Bayer Leverkusen: Flekken; Hincapie, Quansah, Tapsoba; Grimaldo; Andrich, Garcia, Maza, Tella; Adli, Schick
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2025-08-08 18:52:55
