Chelsea kick off a new chapter today under the leadership of their new manager, Enzo Maresca when they face Wrexham AFC in their first pre-season match.
The game set to take place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California marks the start of Maresca’s tenure and an opportunity for Chelsea to showcase their talents in front of an American crowd, reports AFP.
Chelsea ahead Wrexham clash
Chelsea concluded their recent Premier League campaign on a high note, securing victories in their last five matches.
Despite their strong finish, the Blues ended the season in sixth place. Their Europa League hopes were dashed when Manchester United clinched the FA Cup.
Following these developments, Mauricio Pochettino stepped down, making way for Enzo Maresca, who previously managed Leicester City.
Chelsea vs Wrexham: History
Chelsea’s clash with Wrexham will be the second consecutive pre-season encounter between the two clubs.
Wrexham, owned by Hollywood actors Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, has enjoyed back-to-back promotions and will compete in League One for the 2024/25 season.
They aim to improve on last year’s performance, where they suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat to Chelsea.
Chelsea Team News
A total of 28 players have traveled with Chelsea, and the squad has been bolstered by the arrival of Moisés Caicedo earlier today. Key players like Enzo Fernández, Cole Palmer, Marc Cucurella, and Đorđe Petrović are expected to join later in the week. They are currently unavailable due to international duties and injury recovery.
This extensive traveling squad, totaling over 30 players, excludes the likes of Trevoh Chalobah, Cesare Casadei, Alfie Gilchrist, DD Fofana, and Deivid Washington. New signing Omari Kellyman is also absent, nursing an injury.
The primary objective of this pre-season friendly is to build match fitness. Fans can expect to see Maresca’s tactical system, including the use of an inverted fullback, in action for the first time.
One campaign, has already played two pre-season friendlies, including a 1-1 draw against AFC Bournemouth in Santa Barbara, CA. Their upcoming match against Chelsea will provide another valuable test against Premier League opposition.
Match Details
Location: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California
Date: Today, Wednesday, July 24
Kick-off Time: 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT / 3 a.m. BST (July 25)
