Final preseason match of Xabi Alonso’s first year at helm for the Blues. We take on Real Sociedad at home in a match where the only TV coverage worldwide is a channel from the Basque Country, where our opponents are from.
It should be an interesting match given our entire squad is now available. Including captain Reece James, who starts today, and vice-captain (?) Enzo Fernández.
Chelsea starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; Fofana, Lacroix, Colwill, Palestra; James (c), Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Rogers;
João Pedro
Substitutes from: Penders, Slonina, Acheampong, Chavarría, Gusto, Hato, Essugo, Lavia, Barco, Enzo, Estêvão, Gittens, Quenda
Real Sociedad starting eleven:
Remiro; Aramburu, Barrene, Óskarsson, Herrera, Take, Sergio Gómez, C. Soler, Sucic, Jon Martin, Beitia
Substitutes from: Marrero, Folgado, Aihen, Zubeldia, Turrientes, Oyarzabal, Marín, Zakharyan, Ruperez, Goti, Marchal, Lebarbier, Ochieng
Date / Time: Saturday, August 15, 2026, 14.00 BST; 9am EDT; 7:30pm IST
Venue: Stamford Bridge, SW6
On TV: none (USA/UK); ETB 1 (Spain); elsewhere
Streaming: CFC+ (everywhere except Spain) — £9.99 for just the game or £14.99/$19.99 for the whole season
