The Premier League Summer Series tonight concludes in the United States with an intriguing London derby. A win tonight for the Blues could see them claim the pre-season friendly tournament Stateside in a welcome boost with less than two weeks until the new campaign kicks off.
Mauricio Pochettino will be pleased with how his squad have performed over the pond, especially new forwards Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson, as he enjoys an unbeaten start to life as manager. Fulham, meanwhile, are yet to win in America having lost to both Brentford and Aston Villa, while also navigating speculation over the futures of manager Marco Silva – who is staying put – and star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic – who is back with the squad but unsure for how long.
Will Chelsea secure silverware before the real work starts in a fortnight, or can Fulham replicate their win over the Blues from just six months ago? Follow the game LIVE below with our dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Nizaar Kinsella at the FedEx Field in Maryland.
Live updates
It’s pretty miserable weather back in London but not so in Maryland where it’s a balmy 28C.
Nizaar Kinsella checks in
Here’s our man in Maryland.
Fulham go strong
It’s a strong line-up from Fulham, who are captained by Tom Cairney.
Willian starts against his former club, with summer signings Raul Jimenez and Calvin Bassey on the bench.
Young Blues
So, a few surprises from Mauricio Pochettino.
Gabriel Slonina gets the nod in goal, behind a defence including Malo Gusto and Bashir Humphreys.
Enzo Fernandes and Andrey Santos are paired in midfield for the first time, while Mason Burstow starts in attack alongside Raheem Sterling and Christopher Nkunku.
Fulham XI
And here’s Fulham.
Chelsea XI
Here’s how the Blues look.
Silva on Palhinha
Marco Silva has also given an update on his midfielder Joao Palhinha, who suffered a shoulder injury in the recent friendly against Brentford.
He said: “It will be difficult for him to be available for the first Premier League match.
“We have to see week by week how he is going. He is getting better every day. He is not working on the pitch. He is doing some gym and we will see if we can get him on the pitch next week.”
Silva dismisses Mitrovic concerns
Marco Silva has vented his frustration at Fulham’s transfer activity but has no concerns over reintegrating Aleksandar Mitrovic after his return.
The 28-year-old is back training with Fulham in the United States after seeing two bids from Al-Hilal rejected.
Mitrovic wants a move to Saudi Arabia which would see him triple his wages but Al-Hilal are reluctant to pay over £50m.
Silva is happy to have Mitrovic back with the group and dismissed concerns about his mindset.
He told reporters: “Yes, Mitrovic is back. It is a process and it is not an easy situation. I am not here to talk about the negotiations and clubs that are linked with him. He is with the group since two days ago. Let’s hope we get him as fit as we can in the next few days.
Read more here!
Pochettino: We need a smaller squad
Mauricio Pochettino has spoken about the dynamics in his squad ahead of the end of their pre-season tour.
“At the moment the dynamic is very good, really good guys and they are sharing the time together,” he said. “What we cannot have is a massive squad, players not be involved and then it’s going to create a mess in the squad.
“It is difficult because sometimes in every game three, four, five players cannot play and that is difficult because the mood is difficult. It is about creating a squad with good balance and people who have the opportunity to play and can compete for their place.
“Maybe less is more and more is less, it is not mathematic. That is why I need to make clear we don’t need a big squad.”
Anyway, Chelsea are set to sign two more players.
Chelsea to sign Disasi
As the current crop of players prepare for tonight’s game, Chelsea have been busy securing another new face.
Nizaar reports that a £38.6million deal to sign defender Axel Disasi has been agreed with AS Monaco.
The 25-year-old has been signed following a serious injury to Wesley Fofana, who has been sidelined for the foreseeable.
The Blues have acted decisively as both Manchester United and Arsenal were tracking the four-time France international.
Disasi will complete a medical and sign a long-term deal at Stamford Bridge in the coming days.
Read more here!
