Confirmed Teams: Charlotte FC vs Chelsea | Pre-Season
Chelsea face Charlotte FC in pre-season and the confirmed team news is in from the Bank of America Stadium in North Carolina.
Thomas Tuchel's side embark on their second game of their United States tour after winning their opener in Las Vegas against Club America, courtesy of goals from Timo Werner and Mason Mount to seal a 2-1 win.
Chelsea now play another side who are in the middle of their season, with Charlotte FC currently sitting in 8th in the MLS table.
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With that in mind, Tuchel is not expecting a friendly match against the American side and will expect a top performance from Charlotte FC on Thursday morning (UK).
Ahead of the game, the Chelsea head coach admitted: “Given the fact it's maybe not so often they play against big European teams, I think the players, team and coach will show their best face, mentality and performance.
“I am sure they will prepare in a very serious way and will not see it as a friendly match. That is how I would handle it.
"In pre-season, it's difficult to predict.
"Maybe Charlotte gives players a chance that are maybe in the shade or guys who want to make an impression in their league campaign. I simply don't know it.
“In the end, pre-season is 99 per cent about your own team, own development, finding your own form. That is where the focus will be."
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— Absolute Chelsea (@AbsoluteChelsea) July 20, 2022
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All the details you need to know for #Chelsea’s pre-season fixture against Charlotte FC in North Carolina.
Here is the confirmed team news from North Carolina as Chelsea take on Charlotte FC.
Charlotte FC
Starting XI: Kahlina, Lindsey, Corujo, Sobocinski, Fuchs, Bronico, Bender, Ruiz, Gaines, Swiderski, Reyna
Bench: Walkes, Jozwiak, Alcivar, Rios, Makoun, Shinyashiki, Vargas, Hegardt, Jones, Sisniega, Afful, Marks, Mora, Romero, McNeill, Santos
Chelsea
Starting XI: Mendy, James, Thiago Silva, Emerson; Hudson-Odoi, Jorginho, Kovacic, Alonso, Ziyech, Batshuayi, Pulisic
Bench: Sharman-Lowe, Chilwell, Ampadu, Chalobah, Colwill, Sarr, Gallagher, Kenedy, Mount, Sterling, Havertz
Kepa Arrizabalaga hasn't travelled with the squad to North Carolina. Edouard Mendy starts in goal for the Blues.
Reece James starts for Chelsea, with Thiago Silva and Emerson.
Callum Hudson-Odoi and Marcos Alonso have been given the nod, with Timo Werner and Ross Barkley absent from the side.
Mason Mount starts on the bench, as does new arrival Raheem Sterling. Kai Havertz also begins from the bench, while Kalidou Koulibaly, as expected, does not make the matchday squad.
Jorginho captains Chelsea, playing alongside Mateo Kovacic. Cesar Azpilicueta is not involved, while Christian Pulisic and Michy Batshuayi begin in the front three.
Levi Colwill gets a spot on the bench, as does Ethan Ampadu and Teddy Sharman-Lowe for Chelsea.
Matthew Debono