Chelsea to face Western Sydney Wanderers in first match under Xabi Alonso
Alonso’s first match and team news
Chelsea FC is set to play their first match under new head coach Xabi Alonso against Western Sydney Wanderers at Accor Stadium in Sydney, Australia. This fixture marks the beginning of their 2026-27 preseason campaign and will be the first time Alonso manages the team in front of fans. The match is scheduled for Tuesday, July 28, with kickoff at 10:45 a.m. BST.
The Blues have already participated in two behind-closed-doors friendlies this season, reportedly employing a 4-2-3-1 system in both. Alonso is expected to maintain this formation for the upcoming match. This game will also serve as a debut for summer signing Marco Palestra in front of spectators.
Several players are in contention for minutes, with Alonso planning to utilise a mix of youth and experienced players. Jorrel Hato is anticipated to start at left-back, with Palestra on the opposite flank. Levi Colwill, who missed a significant part of last season due to an ACL injury, is expected to gain valuable playing time. Aaron Anselmino, who impressed during loan spells at Borussia Dortmund and Strasbourg last season, is also due for a try-out.
Romeo Lavia, in a similar situation to Colwill, could also benefit from game minutes. Reggie Walsh is reported to have made a positive impression on Alonso during training this summer and is also in line for an opportunity, though Dario Essugo might be preferred in defensive midfield. Jamie Gittens, who was sidelined for much of last season with a hamstring problem, has shown good form in recent closed-door matches and will aim to continue his goalscoring run. Estevao, who has recovered from a serious hamstring injury, is also set to start.
Cole Palmer is expected to play in the No. 10 position, with Joao Pedro leading the attack. Other young players like Dastan Satpayev, a Kazakh striker who joined this summer, and Omari Kellyman, are hoping for a chance to impress. However, British-record signing Morgan Rogers has not yet joined the squad, nor have most of the players who participated in the World Cup, including Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, and Pedro Neto.
Injuries have sidelined Emanuel Emegha and Geovany Quenda, preventing them from travelling with the squad to Australia. Emegha is dealing with a hamstring injury, while Quenda has an unspecified knock. Estevao, who missed the Brazil World Cup squad due to a hamstring injury sustained in a 1-0 loss to Manchester United on April 18, is now fully fit and ready to play in front of spectators for the first time since his injury.
A historic first meeting in Sydney
The match at Accor Stadium represents a significant occasion as it will be the first-ever meeting between Chelsea FC and Western Sydney Wanderers. This fixture, part of the Sydney Super Cup, brings together two clubs from different parts of the world, each with a distinct history and identity.
Chelsea FC, established in 1905, has evolved into a globally recognized football powerhouse with a legacy of domestic and international success. Their supporters have followed the club for generations, creating a culture that extends beyond Stamford Bridge. The Western Sydney Wanderers, founded in 2012, have quickly built a strong identity around the community they represent. In just over a decade, they have achieved notable successes, including becoming Champions of Asia in 2014, and have cultivated a passionate supporter base in Australian sport.
This encounter is not only a sporting event but also a celebration of the connection between clubs and their communities. Despite the geographical distance between West London and Western Sydney, both clubs share a common thread in representing their people and carrying the hopes and pride of their respective communities. The Sydney Super Cup provides a platform for these two footballing identities to meet for the very first time.
For the Wanderers, this match against Chelsea will be the second game of the Ufuk Talay era, following a 2-0 victory over Tigers FC in the Hahn Australia Cup Round of 32. It offers another opportunity for the team to test themselves against elite opposition as they prepare for the upcoming Isuzu UTE A-League season. The event at Accor Stadium will host this historic meeting of two proud football regions on Tuesday night, July 28.
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Source: standard.co.uk
