Chelsea will begin their preparations for the new season with a friendly match against Mexican side Club America on Saturday night with kickoff at 5 am.
Chelsea finished third in the Premier League last season and were knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid. They took on Club America and Charlotte FC in their opening two friendlies of the summer before facing Arsenal in the Florida Cup on July 23.
Thomas Tuchel’s side will then tackle Udinese on July 29 before opening their Premier League campaign with a trip to Everton on August 6, while their first home game of the new season is against London rivals and potential fellow top-four challengers Tottenham Hotspur on August 14.
America have won their domestic title 13 times, which is a record, placing them ahead of Guadalajara when it comes to championships.
The Eagles began their 2022-23 domestic campaign on July 3, playing out a goalless draw with Atlas before suffering a 3-2 defeat to Monterrey in their second match one week later.
America did manage to pick up their first three points of the season against Toluca last time out though, with Richard Sanchez netting the winner in the 93rd minute.
Fernando Ortiz’s squad will face Chelsea, Manchester City, and Real Madrid in three pre-season friendlies this month before their next league match against Tijuana on July 24.
Chelsea vs America Head to Head
Both sides are yet to face against each other and this marks their first encounter. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- America 1-0 Toluca
- Monterrey 3-2 America
- America 0-0 Atlas
- America 5-2 Club Leon
Away
- Chelsea 2-1 Watford
- Chelsea 1-1 Leicester City
- Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
- Leeds 0-3 Chelsea
Chelsea Team News
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is likely to give Raheem Sterling his first start for the club against Liverpool, although the winger may start on the bench. The Blues have a strong squad in America, with Kai Havertz, Edouard Mendy, Reece James and Mateo Kovacic potentially starting this contest.
America Team News
Coach Benito Floro is expected to make a number of changes to the lineup that beat Toluca 1-0 on Wednesday night. Midfielders Jurgen Damm and Bruno Valdez could start. Defender Francisco Garcia could also be in the starting lineup. There will be plenty of opportunities for young players to impress, as well.
Prediction and Odds
Chelsea have not been in action since beating Watford on the final weekend of the 2021-22 Premier League season, while America have already started their league campaign.
- Chelsea Win
- Both Teams to Score
- Double Chance
