Summer signings Kalidou Koulibaly and Raheem Sterling both start for Chelsea against Udinese this evening, with Thomas Tuchel naming his strongest side of the Blues' pre-season campaign.
The match at the Dacia Stadium is the last official game before Chelsea begin their Premier League season with a trip to Goodison Park to face Everton. However, a behind-closed-doors friendly is scheduled for tomorrow morning in Italy, and several first-team stars are set to feature.
It's why Tuchel has named just six substitutes on the bench; they are all expected to be given game time, but five of the starters will get an invaluable 90 minutes under their belts. Based on Chelsea's previous outing – the 4-0 defeat to Arsenal in Orlando – they are much needed.
