Alonso names first Chelsea XI for Western Sydney pre-season opener

Photo: Timmy96 / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons

Xabi Alonso has selected his first Chelsea starting lineup, naming Josh Acheampong, Tosin and Liam Delap in the XI to face Western Sydney Wanderers in the Sydney Super Cup on 28 July.

The match at Accor Stadium is Chelsea's opening pre-season fixture and marks the first competitive look at Alonso's side since the Spaniard took charge.

Several academy graduates feature in the starting XI alongside first-team regulars Acheampong, Tosin, Dario Essugo and Delap. Changes are expected throughout the 90 minutes.

Cole Palmer, Jamie Gittens, Estevao Willian and Joao Pedro are among the more high-profile names named among the substitutes.

Chelsea starting XI: Sharman-Lowe; Acheampong, Subuloye, Tosin, Emenalo; Watson, Essugo, Walsh; Kavuma-McQueen, Delap, Satpayev.

Substitutes: Sanchez, Curd, Palestra, Colwill, Fofana, Anselmino, Diakite, Lavia, Kellyman, Nicoll-Jazuli, Palmer, Gittens, Estevao, Joao Pedro.