Kenya Sport

Chelsea vs Juventus: Pre-season Clash Preview, Lineups, and Prediction

Chelsea's busy pre-season continues as they head to Hong Kong for a friendly against Italian giants Juventus at Kai Tak Sports Park on August 5, 2026. Fresh from a defeat against Tottenham Hotspur in Australia, the Blues aim to build momentum before their Premier League opener. Juventus, meanwhile, are coming off a quiet win against Nice as they prepare for the new Serie A season.

Recent Form

  • Chelsea pre-season record: 1 win, 1 loss
  • Juventus pre-season record: 2 wins, 1 draw

The last time these two met in 2021, Chelsea dominated with a 4-0 victory in the Champions League group stage. Yet, neither team will play in Europe's top tournament this season after disappointing finishes last year.

Team Updates

Chelsea have been active under new manager Xabi Alonso, blending youth with experience. Veteran striker Danny Welbeck has joined the squad, and 36-year-old Jordan Henderson is set to arrive soon. Teenage Brazilian forward Estevao scored against Tottenham despite the team's loss, showing promise among the younger players.

Several players recently returned from bans or late arrivals, including Mykhaylo Mudryk, Pedro Neto, and Geovany Quenda. Goalkeeper Mike Penders could challenge Robert Sanchez for a starting spot, while Moises Caicedo and Nicolas Jackson might feature after missing the Spurs game. Enzo Fernandez, Maxence Lacroix, and Morgan Rogers remain unavailable. Up front, Kazakh talent Dastan Satpaev and Joao Pedro, who impressed with a hat-trick against Western Sydney Wanderers, are likely to start.

Juventus face a reshaped attack following the departure of former target Dusan Vlahovic. Arkadiusz Milik, now fit again, may lead their frontline. New signings include Randal Kolo Muani, Kerim Alajbegovic, and right-back Zeki Celik, who arrived from Roma. Injury concerns affect Jeff Ekhator and key midfielder Khephren Thuram, both sidelined currently.

Possible Starting Lineups

  • Chelsea: Sanchez; Palestra, Acheampong, Colwill, Hato; Lavia, Caicedo; Estevao, Palmer, Neto; Pedro
  • Juventus: Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Gatti, Kelly; Celik, Locatelli, Luiz, Cambiaso; Zhegrova, Boga; Milik

Prediction

With several key players back and more stability under Xabi Alonso, Chelsea look poised to claim a victory over a Juventus side still finding its feet after recent troubles. The Italian club’s issues off the field and squad changes might leave them vulnerable against a sharper Blues lineup. Our forecast: Chelsea 3-1 Juventus.

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