Preseason is already a fascinating time for fans – you’ve been starved of your favourite team in action for months, and have had to survive on a diet of transfer rumours for sustenance.
Suddenly they’re back in action, and no matter what team they put out, where on the globe they are or who they’re facing, you’ll want to see them in action. There are new signings making their debuts, and often a host of young talents getting a taste of the action.
This is an especially exciting preseason for Chelsea fans because they’re also introducing a new manager – one who is a more anticipated addition than any we’ve had for some years. We’re not just keen to see Chelsea in action, we want to see Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea in action.
Day by day, the first team players who were at the World Cup are returning, and the sides that Alonso puts out in each game are getting stronger and stronger. After a mainly youth and fringe player team started against Western Sydney Wanderers, Saturday’s game with Tottenham saw a stronger group.
When we face Juventus on Wednesday, we’re expecting a full strength selection from the players who are available. No matter which online streaming platform you choose to watch it with, there’s a lot to look out for.
There are new signings to enjoy – Marco Palestra was the first new addition of the summer and already looks a bright spark and a potential star in Alonso’s setup. Geovany Quenda is yet to get his first minutes.
Then there are the youth talents. A midfield pair of Reggie Walsh and Reggie Watson impressed against WSW, and both should continue to get minutes while Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo are on holiday. Landon Emenalo looked great, and with a major gap at left back right now, he can potentially earn a place in Alonso’s squad for the season.
And what of the returning stars? Nicolas Jackson’s future is very uncertain, and we will learn a lot by how much he’s used by Alonso in the remaining friendlies. He joined up with the team on Thursday, so there’s a chance we see him off the bench at the very least against Juve.
Then there are the wildcards – we all want to see how Estevao is getting on recovering from his bad hamstring injury suffered in March. And what happens if Dastan Satpayev scores another great goal?
It’s all very exciting.
