Chelsea are gearing up for their penultimate match of the summer tour this Saturday, August 8, facing Milan at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The Blues head to Jakarta looking to bounce back after two consecutive defeats. Following an impressive win over Western Sydney Wanderers (6-4), the Londoners have faltered against Tottenham Hotspur (1-2) and Juventus (0-1). Head coach Xabi Alonso is increasingly concerned about the lack of creativity in attack, particularly in light of Cole Palmer's minor injury.
Milan, under Ruben Amorim, are finishing up their short Asian tour. They kicked off their trip with a draw against Inter (1-1) in Perth.
Team news and injuries
Chelsea: Both Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill missed the game against Juventus due to slight injuries, leaving their participation in this match in doubt. On a more positive note, Mykhailo Mudryk has made his return to play after the lifting of his suspension.
Milan: The Italian side will be without Christian Pulisic, who sustained an injury during the World Cup. However, they could feature three former Chelsea players — Fikayo Tomori, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Christopher Nkunku. Highly-priced new signing Goncalo Ramos could also be set to start.
Expected Chelsea lineup (4-2-3-1):
Robert Sanchez — Marco Palese, Josh Achempon, Malang Sarr, Yorrel Hato — Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia — Estevao, Joao Pedro, Jamie Bynno-Gittens — Danny Welbeck.
Expected Milan lineup (3-4-2-1):
Lorenzo Torriani — Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia, Andrey Vladimirov — Alexis Saelemaekers, Luka Modric, Youssouf Fofana, Davide Bartesaghi — Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Christopher Nkunku — Goncalo Ramos.
Match prediction
Both teams are at the beginning stages of developing new playing styles under Xabi Alonso and Ruben Amorim. With several key players missing, the Blues may find it tough to create chances in front of goal.
Prediction: Chelsea 1:1 Milan.
