Chelsea will take on Real Madrid in their second match of the International Champions Cup at the Michigan Stadium on 30th July. The Blues come into this match on the back of a 1-0 victory over Premier League rivals Liverpool, with England International scoring the winner with a header in the first half. After losing the first friendly against Rapid Vienna 2-0, Chelsea returned to winning ways against RZ Pellets with a 3-0 victory. New boss Antonio Conte is working hard to get his players ready and firing before the season kicks off on August on 13th.
There will be huge expectations from the Italian, especially with no European commitments next season. Chelsea recorded the worst title defense in the history of Premier League last season, something that left their pride in tatters. Conte has brought in N’Golo kante from Leicester City and youngster Michy Batshuayi to complement Costa upfront. Real Madrid will be looking to get back to winning ways after a 3-1 defeat against PSG in their first match of the ICC. Here we look at the expected starting XI that Conte might opt for.
Goalkeeper: Asmir Begovic
Begovic didn’t have a lot to do against Liverpool and should start in goal on 30th as well. However with the season fast approaching Conte might be tempted to play both his goalkeepers in either half. Begovic did well last season deputizing for the Belgian when he was out injured.
Defenders: Cesar Azpilicueta, Ola Aina, John Terry and Gary Cahill
Cahill was fantastic against Liverpool scoring that all important winner and should keep his place in the team alongside compatriot John Terry, who only recently signed a one year contract extension after much public debate. Ola Aina has been excellent this summer in the friendlies and will look to break into the first team next season. He will slot in at right-back while Spanish international Azpilicueta will come in at left-back.
Midfielders: Nemanja Matic, Loftus-Cheek, Willian, Moses and Traore
What was Cesc Fabregas thinking when he made that horrendous challenge on Liverpool’s new signing Klavan. The Spanish midfielder received a straight red card and will sit out this match. He place will be taken by Loftus-Cheek alongside Matic. The English youngster did well upfront against Liverpool but is more suited for a central midfield role. Kante’s arrival this summer has put doubts over the future of Matic, therefore it is imperative he puts his best put forward in these remaining friendlies. Traore will continue as the number 10 after putting in a decent performance against Liverpool. He will be flanked by Willian on the right wing and Moses on the left wing.
Striker: Michy Batshuayi
Batshuayi came on as a second half substitute against Liverpool but should come into the side for the match against Real Madrid. He will be under huge pressure to start performing given the much fanfare that surrounded his arrival at Stamford Bridge.
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