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.
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Edouard Mendy starts in goal for Chelsea once more. The Senegal international has racked up more game time during the summer than every member of the first-team squad. There is no doubt he will be ready come next weekend.
The back three contains experience and quality. Cesar Azpilicueta, despite being keen on a move to Barcelona, starts on the right, with Thiago Silva occupying his usual spot in the centre. Koulibaly is set to take up the position on the left vacated by Antonio Rudiger and will do so wearing the No.26 shirt that has not been worn since John Terry exited the club in 2017.
Reece James starts at right wing-back while Marcos Alonso, somewhat surprisingly ahead of Ben Chilwell, is in at left wing-back. The midfield pairing consists of Jorginho and N'Golo Kante, it is the first senior pre-season outing for the Frenchman as he was unable to travel to the USA for the club's pre-season tour due to his vaccination status.
The attack is likely to be the one that Tuchel turns to against Everton. Mason Mount starts on the right with Kai Havertz through the middle. Sterling, who made two 45-minute appearances in the USA, will begin on the left and will be looking to score his first Chelsea goal.
Chelsea: Mendy; Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva, Koulibaly; James, Kante, Jorginho, Alonso; Mount, Havertz, Sterling
Chelsea substitutes: Kepa, Emerson, Kenedy, Gilmour, Hudson-Odoi, Vale
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