Chelsea predicted XI vs Real Sociedad: Morgan Rogers and Maxence Lacroix make Stamford Bridge debuts
Chelsea’s fixture against Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge is the last chance for players to get minutes before the new season, and The Chelsea Chronicle have predicted the XI who will start.
A mixed pre-season campaign for Xabi Alonso’s side have seen both positives and negatives, as well as a number of different tactical systems.
Chelsea’s best performance came against AC Milan, which came in the only game Alonso has played his strongest players in with the back three system.
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Chelsea predicted XI vs Real Sociedad
This formation seems to fit the new signings coming in, with Morgan Rogers and Maxence Lacroix expected to make their debuts on Saturday. Let’s take a look at the whole predicted XI
Robert Sanchez is expected to hold off the challenge of Mike Penders as the number one goalkeeper to start the season, and he will start on Saturday.
A back three will first consist of Wesley Fofana, who is personally hungry for a strong season after his struggles in 2025/26.
Lacroix will come in and play at the heart of the back three, quickly looking to build a strong relationship with those alongside him in defence.
The left-hand-side will see Levi Colwill start. His availability will be a massive boost with Enzo Maresca didn’t have available to him last season.
Pedro Neto will be handed another chance to impress in a new wing-back role, with his work-rate giving him a good chance to succeed.
In midfield, Moises Caicedo will still start the season as one of the first names on the teamsheet, especially with the uncertainty on the rest of the squad in that role.
He will be partnered in this game by Romeo Lavia. Enzo Fernandez’s future will only be decided a number of hours before this fixture.
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On the left, Marco Palestra will look to bring his strong form back to England after impressing during the tour of Australia and Asia.
In the two roles behind the striker, Cole Palmer will operate off the right. He was afforded plenty of opportunities to create in their last outing.
He will be alongside best friend Rogers, with the duo surely set to raise each other’s levels now they are on the same side again.
Up front, Joao Pedro will be keen to add to his five goals in televised friendlies as the club’s best striker going into the new campaign.
Predicted Chelsea XI vs Real Sociedad (3-4-2-1): Sanchez; Fofana, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, Caicedo, Lavia, Palestra; Palmer, Rogers; Joao Pedro
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