The football world’s attention turns to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, as Premier League giants Chelsea take on League Two newcomers Wrexham in an eagerly anticipated pre-season friendly. This unique matchup pits Enzo Maresca’s star-studded Blues against Phil Parkinson’s ambitious Red Dragons in what promises to be an entertaining affair.
Team News Injury and Projected Lineups
Chelsea will be without several key players for this fixture. Euro 2024 winners Marc Cucurella, Cole Palmer, and Conor Gallagher are absent, as are Moises Caicedo and Gabriel Slonina. The Blues will also miss Enzo Fernandez, who is embroiled in controversy over an offensive video. Injuries to Djordje Petrovic and Omari Kellyman further deplete Maresca’s options.
Despite these absences, Chelsea still boast a formidable squad. New signings Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Marc Guiu, Renato Veiga, and Tosin Adarabioyo are all in contention to make their debuts. A possible starting lineup for the Blues could be:
Chelsea Predicted Lineup: Nkunku, Colwill, Veiga, Adarabioyo, Dewsbury-Hall, Sterling, Guiu, Madueke, James, Disasi, Sanchez
Wrexham, meanwhile, will be without star striker Paul Mullin, who is recovering from back surgery. Left-back Jacob Mendy is also sidelined with an Achilles injury. However, Anthony Forde has returned to fitness and could feature. A potential starting XI for the Red Dragons:
Wrexham Predicted Lineup: McClean, O’Connell, Brunt, Evans, Cannon, Cleworth, Jones, Bolton, Marriott, Dalby, Okonkwo
Where to Watch
For viewers in the United States, the match will be broadcast live on ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes. Kick-off is scheduled for 2:30 AM ET on July 25th. Here’s a breakdown of TV schedules for some top-tier countries:
- USA: ESPN+, fuboTV, ESPN App, ESPN, ESPN Deportes
- Australia: Paramount+
- Indonesia: beIN Sports 1 Premium
- United Arab Emirates: Sharjah Sports
International viewers should check their local listings, as the game is available on various platforms worldwide.
Form Guide and Recent Results
Chelsea ended their Premier League campaign strongly, winning their final five matches to secure a sixth-place finish and Europa Conference League qualification. However, this will be their first outing under new manager Enzo Maresca, adding an element of uncertainty to their performance.
Wrexham, fresh off their promotion to League Two, have already played two pre-season friendlies. They thrashed Hanley Town 5-1 before holding Premier League side Bournemouth to a creditable 1-1 draw.
Head-to-Head Record
These two sides met in a friendly last July, with Chelsea running out comfortable 5-0 winners. However, given Wrexham’s remarkable progress over the past year, a closer contest could be on the cards this time around.
Prediction
While Wrexham’s recent form and growing stature make them an intriguing proposition, Chelsea’s superior quality should ultimately shine through. The Blues’ array of attacking talent, even with several absentees, is likely to prove too much for the Red Dragons’ defense.
A competitive first half could give way to Chelsea’s superior fitness and squad depth in the second period. Expect goals and entertainment, with Chelsea potentially running out 3-1 winners.
Chelsea vs Wrexham Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Wrexham
This fixture represents more than just a pre-season friendly. It’s a fascinating clash of footballing cultures – the established Premier League powerhouse against the plucky underdogs with lofty ambitions. Whatever the result, it promises to be a spectacle worth watching for football fans around the globe.
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